Hearty & Easy Pork Chop and Potato Casserole: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner

Pork Chop and Potato Casserole: A Family Favorite
Julia Pacheco
Welcome to your new favorite family dinner! This hearty Pork Chop and Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together tender, juicy pork chops with creamy, perfectly seasoned potatoes in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a true stick-to-your-ribs meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend feast. Prepare to impress your family with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
This delightful one-pan recipe simplifies mealtime without sacrificing taste. Imagine succulent boneless pork chops nestled atop a bed of fluffy shredded potatoes, all swimming in a luscious mushroom-infused cream sauce, and finished with a golden, crispy onion and cheese topping. Every forkful is a harmonious blend of textures and robust flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to bake up some pure culinary comfort!
10 minutes
50 minutes
1 hour
4
servings
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Ingredients for a Delicious Pork Chop and Potato Casserole
Gathering the right ingredients is key to the success of this creamy and satisfying pork chop and potato casserole. Opt for fresh, quality ingredients to maximize flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting meal for 4 servings:
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4 medium-thick boneless pork chops. Look for chops about ¾ to 1 inch thick for best results, ensuring they remain juicy during baking. -
1 Tbs vegetable oil. Any neutral cooking oil like canola or grapeseed oil will also work well. -
1 can cream of mushroom soup. Using a condensed variety will yield a richer, thicker sauce. Cream of chicken or celery soup can be substituted for a different flavor profile. -
⅔ cup milk. Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but 2% or skim milk can be used if preferred. -
½ cup sour cream. This adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess to the potato mixture. Plain Greek yogurt can be a good substitute for a lighter option. -
¼ tsp black pepper. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for the best aroma and flavor. Add salt to taste after mixing, as the soup and cheese contribute significant sodium. -
16 oz frozen shredded potatoes, thawed. Hash browns work perfectly! Ensure they are fully thawed and squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel to prevent a watery casserole. -
1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and offers a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. -
1 ½ cup french-fried onions. These provide an essential crispy texture and savory kick to the casserole topping.
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Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Hearty Pork Chop and Potato Casserole
Follow these detailed steps to create a hearty and satisfying pork chop and potato casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. For the best results, we recommend reading through all instructions before you begin cooking.
- 1. Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven reaches the correct temperature beforehand is crucial for even cooking and achieving that perfect golden-brown finish on your casserole.
- 2. Mix the Creamy Potato Base: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the milk, sour cream, the full can of cream of mushroom soup, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated, forming a luscious base. Next, gently fold in the thawed frozen shredded potatoes and half (which is ¾ cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir carefully to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the rich, creamy sauce. This creates the delicious foundation of your casserole.
- 3. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving. Pour the prepared potato mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish, spreading it out to form a flat layer. Then, arrange the four medium-thick boneless pork chops over the potato mixture. Ensure they are distributed in a single layer for optimal cooking and even exposure to the heat.
- 4. First Bake & Topping Addition: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Carefully place it into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Uncover it, then evenly sprinkle the remaining half (¾ cup) of the cheddar cheese and ½ cup of the French-fried onions over the top. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the pork is completely cooked through (an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden. The French-fried onions should be crispy and golden brown.
- 5. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the juices in the pork chops to redistribute, ensuring they remain tender, moist, and incredibly flavorful. Serve warm and savor every comforting bite!
Watch How to Make This Delicious Casserole
See a visual guide to preparing this fantastic Pork Chop and Potato Casserole. This video offers helpful tips and a clear walkthrough of each step, ensuring your dish turns out perfectly!
Tips and Variations for Your Pork Chop and Potato Casserole
This Pork Chop and Potato Casserole is fantastic as is, but here are some ideas to customize it or ensure flawless execution every time:
- Browning the Pork Chops: For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden crust, consider searing the pork chops in a hot pan with a little vegetable oil for 2-3 minutes per side before placing them in the casserole. This step can be done while the oven preheats and truly elevates the dish.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the potato mixture. For a fresh, spicy kick, you can also include finely diced jalapeños.
- Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by sautéing some diced onions, bell peppers, or even sliced mushrooms in the vegetable oil before mixing them into the potato base. These aromatics will add wonderful depth to your casserole.
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar cheese is a classic choice and provides excellent flavor, feel free to experiment with other shredded cheeses. Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can offer a different and equally delicious flavor profile.
- Cream of Soup Alternatives: If cream of mushroom isn’t your preference, condensed cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup can be easily used as a substitute. For a more gourmet, homemade touch, you could even prepare a roux-based cream sauce from scratch.
- Optimize Frozen Potatoes: To prevent a watery casserole, ensure your frozen shredded potatoes are completely thawed and thoroughly drained. Press them gently with a clean paper towel or kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Maximize French-Fried Onion Crunch: The French-fried onions are key for that irresistible crunchy contrast. If you want even more crunch or a different texture, consider adding a thin layer of crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter to the topping.
- Prevent Overcooked Pork: Boneless pork chops can dry out if overcooked. For perfectly tender pork, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The casserole will continue to cook slightly during the resting period.
What to Serve with Your Pork Chop and Potato Casserole
This casserole is incredibly satisfying and can easily stand alone as a complete meal. However, it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to round out your dinner experience:
- A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast and balance the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli for added vibrant vegetables and a nutritional boost.
- Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy, savory sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this delightful pork chop and potato casserole are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you have a couple of options:
- Microwave: For individual servings, simply microwave on medium power until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Oven: For the entire casserole, place it (covered with foil to prevent drying) back into an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until thoroughly heated through, typically about 20-30 minutes. If you want the topping to regain some crispness, you can uncover it for the last few minutes of reheating.
Nutrition Information for Pork Chop and Potato Casserole (Per Serving)
Understanding the nutritional value of your meals can be helpful for dietary planning. Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving of this hearty casserole:
Carbohydrates: 33g |
Protein: 43g |
Fat: 45g |
Saturated Fat: 20g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 10g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 154mg |
Sodium: 567mg |
Potassium: 955mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 3g |
Vitamin A: 676IU |
Vitamin C: 10mg |
Calcium: 400mg |
Iron: 2mg
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only. Factors such as specific brands, preparation methods, and exact ingredient amounts can affect the final nutritional content. For precise dietary information, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
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