Description

Craving a dish that tastes like a Sunday family dinner but is easy enough for a busy weeknight? This *Tender Chops and Creamy Potatoes Casserole* is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, rich, and absolutely satisfying. Juicy seared pork chops are nestled in layers of buttery potatoes and onions, all smothered in a luscious cream sauce that bakes to golden perfection. Ideal for those seeking easy dinner recipes, cozy food ideas, or make-ahead meals, this casserole also doubles as a fantastic leftover and makes for a warm, nourishing dish on cold evenings. It’s a top pick in anyone’s collection of easy recipe favorites.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops

6 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk (warm)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sear in hot olive oil 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in flour, cook 1 minute, then whisk in warm milk and cream. Add Dijon, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes to thicken.

3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the potatoes and half the onion slices. Spoon one-third of the sauce on top.

4. Place seared pork chops over the first layer. Add remaining potatoes and onions. Pour remaining sauce over the top.

5. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20–25 minutes more until golden and bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra color.

6. Let casserole rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.

Notes

Let the casserole rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to settle.

For extra richness, sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the final 10 minutes of baking.

Uniform potato slices ensure even cooking — use a mandoline for best results.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 540
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: creamy pork chops, potato casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, one-pan meal