Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience: Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole! This mouthwatering dish combines tender pork chops, creamy potatoes, and a savory sauce for a meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish to impress your guests, this recipe has got you covered. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this delicious masterpiece.
Ingredients:
Before we begin, let’s gather our ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a large baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Season the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Brown the Pork Chops: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
- Saute the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Casserole: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Place the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes, then pour the onion and sauce mixture over the pork chops. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce. Layer the remaining potatoes on top, followed by the remaining shredded cheese. Sprinkle paprika over the cheese for added flavor and color.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the pork chops are cooked through.
- Serve: Once the casserole is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Cook Notes:
- Pork Chop Thickness: Ensure the pork chops are about 1-inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Potato Thickness: Slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking and tender texture.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the pork chops with sliced mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
- Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower to reduce carbs.
- Almond Flour Substitute: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for the sauce to keep it low-carb.
In conclusion, this Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food bliss. With its tender pork chops, creamy potatoes, and flavorful sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in a hearty and delicious meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds
Additional Cook Notes:
- Browning the Pork Chops: The key to flavor in this dish is browning the pork chops before baking. This step adds a caramelized crust to the pork chops, enhancing their taste and texture.
- Sauce Consistency: Be mindful of the sauce’s consistency when preparing it. You want it to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too thick that it becomes gloopy. Adjust the amount of flour or liquid as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Seasoning Balance: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the casserole to ensure it’s well-seasoned. Adjust the salt and pepper accordingly to suit your preferences.
- Potato Evenness: Arrange the potato slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Overlapping slices may result in unevenly cooked potatoes.
- Cheese Melting: Keep an eye on the cheese during baking. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil to prevent burning while allowing the potatoes to continue cooking.
Variations and Customizations:
- Protein Swap: Feel free to substitute the pork chops with chicken breasts or thighs for a different protein option.
- Vegetable Addition: Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to incorporate more nutrients and flavors into the dish.
- Sauce Variation: Experiment with different sauces such as mushroom sauce, creamy garlic sauce, or even a tangy barbecue sauce for a unique twist.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the sauce or sprinkled on top of the casserole before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Considerations:
- Low-Carb Thickener: Instead of flour, use xanthan gum or arrowroot powder as a low-carb thickening agent for the sauce.
- Keto-Friendly Dairy: Opt for full-fat dairy products like heavy cream and cream cheese to keep the dish keto-friendly.
- No-Potato Option: For a keto version, omit the potatoes altogether and replace them with cauliflower florets or turnip slices. These low-carb alternatives will provide a similar texture while keeping the carb count low.
In conclusion, this Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its hearty combination of tender pork chops, creamy potatoes, and savory sauce, it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, potluck, or special gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and treat yourself to a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
