Smothered Pork Chops Casserole: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe

Smothered Pork Chops Casserole is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. As I prepare this delightful recipe, I can’t help but think of the rich history behind it, rooted in Southern cuisine where hearty meals are a staple. This casserole not only showcases the tender, juicy pork chops but also combines them with a creamy, savory sauce that envelops each bite in flavor. People love this dish for its incredible taste and texture; the crispy topping contrasts beautifully with the succulent meat and velvety sauce. Plus, it’s a convenient one-dish meal that makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones. Join me as we dive into the world of Smothered Pork Chops Casserole and discover why it has become a beloved favorite in many households.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Pork Chops

1. Start by seasoning the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and adds a beautiful color to the chops.
3. Once the pork chops are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked through; they will finish cooking in the oven later.

Preparing the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. The leftover bits from the pork chops will add extra flavor to the onions.
2. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if using) to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Making the Sauce

1. Once the vegetables are cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and paprika to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This will create a rich and creamy sauce that will coat the pork chops beautifully.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
2. Spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This will serve as a base for the pork chops and will absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
3. Place the seared pork chops on top of the rice in a single layer. Make sure they are evenly spaced out for even cooking.
4. Pour the creamy vegetable sauce over the pork chops, ensuring they are well covered. This will keep the meat moist and flavorful during baking.
5. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a deliciously gooey and cheesy crust as it bakes.

Baking the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning and to keep the moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make serving easier.

Serving the Casserole

1. To serve, use a large spoon to scoop out a portion of the casserole, making sure to include a pork chop, some rice, and a generous amount of the creamy sauce.
2. Garnish with freshly

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Smothered Pork Chops Casserole is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners with a dish that is both comforting and delicious. The combination of tender pork chops, creamy sauce, and hearty vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that will have your family asking for seconds. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it a perfect choice for busy evenings when you want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this casserole with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding your favorite vegetables, such as green beans or bell peppers, or even swapping out the pork chops for chicken thighs for a different twist. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Smothered Pork Chops Casserole a try. I promise it will become a staple in your home just as it has in mine. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any modifications you made, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the love for this delightful dish together! Print
   

   Smothered Pork Chops Casserole: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe

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   • Author: shareylady
   • Total Time: 65 minutes
   • Yield: 4 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   This creamy pork chop casserole features tender bone-in pork chops, a rich mushroom sauce, sautéed onions, and fluffy rice, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners. Enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone!

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
   • Salt and pepper, to taste
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • 1 medium onion, sliced
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
   • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
   • 1 cup chicken broth
   • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
   • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
   • 1 teaspoon paprika
   • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
   • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
   • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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   Instructions

   Chopped Parsley for a Pop of Color and Added Freshness

   Enjoy your delicious pork chop casserole!

   Recipe Description:

   This creamy and cheesy pork chop casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender bone-in pork chops with a rich mushroom sauce, sautéed onions, and a base of fluffy rice. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

   Full Ingredients:

   – 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
   – Salt and pepper, to taste
   – 1 tablespoon olive oil
   – 1 medium onion, sliced
   – 2 cloves garlic, minced
   – 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
   – 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
   – 1 cup chicken broth
   – 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
   – 1 teaspoon dried thyme
   – 1 teaspoon paprika
   – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
   – 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
   – Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

   Full Instructions:

   1. **Preparing the Pork Chops**
   – Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
   – In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
   – Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

   2. **Preparing the Vegetables**
   – In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
   – Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if using) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender.

   3. **Making the Sauce**
   – Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and paprika. Stir until well combined.
   – Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.

   4. **Assembling the Casserole**
   – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
   – Spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish.
   – Place the seared pork chops on top of the rice.
   – Pour the creamy vegetable sauce over the pork chops.
   – Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

   5. **Baking the Casserole**
   – Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
   – Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
   – Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

   6. **Serving the Casserole**
   – Scoop out a portion of the casserole, including a pork chop, rice, and sauce.
   – Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!

   Notes:

   – Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
   – This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

   Prep Time:

   15 minutes

   Cook Time:

   50 minutes

   Total Time:

   1 hour 5 minutes

   Yield:

   4 servings

   Notes

   • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
   • This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 50 minutes