Description

This Heavenly Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Delight is a comforting, flavor-packed casserole combining tender seared pork chops with creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes, enhanced by sautéed onions, garlic, and a rich heavy cream sauce. Baked to perfection, this dish features layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes, succulent pork chops, and a savory sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a hearty meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

4 pieces Pork Chops (bone-in preferred for flavor)

Vegetables

3 cups Russet Potatoes (or substitute with Yukon Gold for creaminess)
1 medium Onion, chopped
4 cloves Garlic, freshly minced (or 1 1/3 tsp dried garlic)
1 cup Vegetables (Spinach or Mushrooms)

Dairy

1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
1 cup Cheddar Cheese (or Gruyère for elevated taste)

Liquids & Oils

2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter (for sautéing)
2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth

Seasonings & Spices

Salt, to taste
Black Pepper, to taste
Fresh Thyme or Rosemary, to taste
1 teaspoon Spices (Smoked Paprika or Cajun Seasoning)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Season and Sear Pork Chops: Season pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, locking in flavor.
Prepare Potato Layer: Thinly slice the russet potatoes evenly. Grease a casserole dish and layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Using the same skillet with residual pork fat, sauté chopped onions over medium heat until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine, creating a rich sauce.
Assemble First Layer: Pour half of the onion-garlic cream sauce evenly over the potato layer. Place the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes and sauce.
Add Remaining Potatoes and Sauce: Layer the remaining sliced potatoes over the pork chops. Drizzle the rest of the cream sauce on top, ensuring the casserole will stay moist and flavorful.
Season and Add Cheese: Sprinkle the dish with desired seasonings including fresh herbs and the chosen spice (smoked paprika or Cajun). Top with shredded cheddar cheese to add a perfectly melted cheesy crust.
Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes. This step allows the cheese to brown and potatoes to soften completely.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.

Notes

Use bone-in pork chops for better flavor and juiciness.
Swap russet potatoes with Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce fat content.
Add fresh thyme or rosemary for aromatic enhancements.
Feel free to include vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra heartiness.
Adjust seasoning spices such as smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning based on personal taste preferences.
Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps it hold its shape when sliced.