This Pork Chop Potato Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together juicy pork chops and creamy, cheesy potatoes. It’s a total crowd-pleaser!
You’ll love how easy it is to make—just layer the chops and potatoes, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. Perfect for busy nights! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless, 1-inch thick chops are easy to work with in this casserole. If you prefer, you can use bone-in pork chops for added flavor, but note that cooking time may vary.
Potatoes: Red or white potatoes work great here. You could also use Yukon gold for a creamier texture, or swap in sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
Onion: A yellow onion adds a lovely sweetness. If you’re sensitive to onions, try using shallots for a milder taste or omit them altogether.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar provides delicious creaminess. If you want to cut back on the sharpness, feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or Colby cheese.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds depth to the dish. If you’re dairy-free, opt for a homemade or canned dairy-free cream soup, or use a mixture of broth and a dairy-free thickener.
How Do I Get My Pork Chops Perfectly Seared?
Searing pork chops is key to locking in moisture and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet over medium heat. Hot enough that a drop of water sizzles.
- Add oil or butter before placing the pork chops in the skillet. Don’t crowd the pan; sear one batch at a time if needed.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. If you move them too soon, they might stick.
- Use a meat thermometer. They’re done when an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is reached.
This searing method is a great way to enhance the flavor and keep the meat juicy!
Pork Chop Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (red or white potatoes with skins on)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pork Chop Potato Casserole takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake. In total, set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes for cooking and resting. It’s mostly hands-off once it’s in the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season your pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear each pork chop for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are beautifully golden brown. Once seared, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Mix the Cream Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir the mixture until it’s nice and smooth. This will add creamy goodness to your casserole!
5. Layer the Potatoes:
Spread half of your sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish. Next, sprinkle half of the chopped onions and half of the cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
6. Add the Cream Mixture:
Pour half of the creamy soup mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and cheese.
7. Add the Pork Chops:
Now, place the seared pork chops right on top of the layered potatoes. Don’t be shy; they’ll infuse great flavor!
8. Finish Layering:
Next, layer the remaining potatoes on top of the pork chops, followed by the rest of the chopped onions and the remaining cheddar cheese.
9. Pour More Cream:
Finally, drizzle the remaining soup mixture over the entire casserole evenly.
10. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
11. Uncover and Brown:
After 50 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to become golden brown and bubbly, and for the potatoes to be nice and tender.
12. Add Bacon Topping (Optional):
If you’re adding crumbled cooked bacon for a crispy topping, sprinkle it on during the last 5 minutes of baking.
13. Garnish & Serve:
Before serving, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a lovely presentation. Take a moment to let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to allow it to set.
14. Enjoy!
Your savory and cheesy Pork Chop Potato Casserole is ready to be enjoyed! Pair it with a side of veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Casserole?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for pork chops, you can easily substitute boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter option. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as chicken may require less time to cook through.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No worries! You can make a simple homemade version by mixing together 1 cup of broth, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (dissolved in water), and your favorite herbs and seasonings until thickened. Alternatively, use any cream soup variety, like chicken or celery, for a different flavor twist.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just be sure to let it sit out for about 30 minutes at room temperature before baking. You might need to add a few minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of milk for creaminess if necessary.
