Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole

Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that layers juicy pork chops over tender, creamy scalloped potatoes, all baked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food—filling, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a complete one-pan meal with both protein and starch baked together in a creamy, seasoned sauce. It saves time on cleanup and delivers on flavor, with melt-in-your-mouth pork chops and buttery potatoes that soak up all the goodness. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy Sunday supper.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bone-in or boneless pork chops
• Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• Yellow onion, thinly sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream or whole milk
• Chicken broth
• All-purpose flour
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the onions until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cream, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
5. Layer half of the potato slices in the bottom of the casserole dish. Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes and spread evenly.
6. Layer the remaining potatoes and top with the rest of the sauce.
7. Place the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes. Cover the dish with foil.
8. Bake for 45 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the pork chops are fully cooked.
9. If using cheese, sprinkle over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Use boneless chicken breasts instead of pork chops for a lighter version.
• Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach between the potatoes.
• Replace the cream with evaporated milk for a lighter but still creamy sauce.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter twist.
• Add shredded mozzarella or Gruyère for a more cheesy casserole.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
If freezing, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Do I need to precook the potatoes?

No, thinly slicing the potatoes ensures they cook through during baking.

Can I use store-bought scalloped potatoes?

You can, but making it from scratch gives much better flavor and texture.

What type of pork chops work best?

Bone-in chops add flavor and stay juicy, but boneless work well too.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely, try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.

Is it okay to skip the cheese?

Yes, the casserole is rich and creamy enough without it, but cheese adds extra depth.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free milk and butter substitute, and skip the cheese to make it dairy-free.

How do I prevent the casserole from being too runny?

Make sure to simmer the sauce until it thickens before pouring over the potatoes.

Can I use other herbs?

Yes, rosemary, sage, or Italian seasoning all work well in place of thyme.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The potatoes should be fork-tender and the pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Conclusion

Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. With rich, comforting layers of creamy potatoes and juicy pork chops, it’s a satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Perfect for any day you want a little extra comfort on your plate.

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