A Hearty and Delicious Comfort Meal for Busy Weeknights
A pork chop and potato casserole is a fantastic and satisfying meal that brings comfort after a long day. The slow cooking process in the oven allows the pork chops to absorb an abundance of flavors and achieve perfect tenderness.
Easy to Prepare, Perfect for Busy Weeknights
With only 15 minutes of preparation, a pork chop and potato casserole is an ideal choice for a quick and easy meal during a hectic weeknight. While the idea of baked pork chops might seem ordinary, combining them with onion soup and potatoes creates a hearty and incredibly delicious dish.
Keeping Pork Chops Moist and Flavorful
One challenge with pork chops is their ability to dry out easily due to their lean nature. To avoid the disappointment of dry tasteless pork chops, there are a few techniques you can employ. One option is to cook them at a high temperature for a short period, similar to my roasted pork chops and peaches recipe. Another method involves covering the chops and allowing them to cook slowly.
For this oven-baked boneless pork chop recipe, the chops are first seared to seal in the juices. Next, they are smothered in an onion broth and covered with aluminum foil to bake slowly. This technique ensures that the broth’s juices penetrate both the pork chops and potatoes, resulting in a simple and hearty dinner that the whole family will adore.
By covering the smothered pork chops, steam is created during the baking process, helping to keep them moist and tender. This eliminates any worries about dry pork chops.
Effortless Preparation for a Home-Cooked Meal
One of the perks of this recipe is its simplicity. You can easily throw everything together, set a timer, and let it bake! Even though weeknights can be busy, you can still prepare a delicious home-cooked meal with minimal effort that will be loved by everyone. For those looking for a thicker gravy, you can try skillet pork chops with mushroom gravy or utilize a slow cooker to make pork chops in mushroom soup.
Flavorsome Potatoes Without the Richness
There are times when you crave potatoes but prefer a lighter option compared to creamy scalloped potatoes or mashed potatoes. By adding thinly sliced potatoes to the bottom of this casserole, you achieve flavorful potatoes that won’t weigh you down.
In one pan, you’ll have a complete meal with both protein and carbs. Alternatively, you can pair it with roasted carrots or roasted asparagus for a delicious and well-rounded dinner. Of course, you can never go wrong with quick and easy buttermilk biscuits. This pork chop and potato casserole will undoubtedly become your go-to dinner recipe.
Tips for Tender Pork Chops
- Opt for thicker-cut pork chops as they tend to dry out less easily compared to thin ones.
- Start by browning the chops on high heat in a skillet to seal in the juices.
- Cook them at a high temperature for a shorter duration.
- Alternatively, cook them slowly while remaining covered to retain moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145º.
Browning Pork Chops Before Baking
Searing your pork chops before baking enhances their flavor and prevents them from drying out. For optimal results, sear them first and then proceed with baking when preparing oven-baked pork chops.
What Makes This Pork Chop Casserole Exceptional
- French Onion Pork chops are slow-cooked, allowing them to absorb an abundance of flavors.
- It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that can be prepared in no time.
- The combination of mushrooms and onion soup creates a savory, delicious, and distinctive flavor.
- The pork chops turn out tender and juicy.
Ingredients for Pork Chop Potato Casserole
- Pork Chops: For best results, use medium to thick boneless chops. Thick-cut chops take longer to cook but are juicier. Bone-in chops can also be used.
- Mushrooms: While canned mushrooms work for this easy recipe, fresh mushrooms add more flavor.
- Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice russet potatoes for the perfect complement to the pork chops. Approximately two potatoes or 3-4 cups will be needed. Russet potatoes hold their shape better than other varieties.
- Onion Soup Mix: Dry onion soup mix adds a combination of onion, garlic powder, fresh parsley, black pepper, paprika, and more. If you frequently use this ingredient, consider making your own. Country Cook offers a great recipe for homemade onion soup mix.
Effortlessly Assemble and Bake
Step 1: Sear Pork Chops
Begin by browning the seasoned pork chops in a skillet, then set them aside. In the same skillet, proceed to brown the mushrooms.
Step 2: Layer Potatoes and Top
Slice the potatoes and arrange them in a baking dish. Top with the cooked mushrooms and pork chops.
Step 3: Season and Bake
Combine the onion mixture with water, then pour it over the pork chops and potatoes. Bake until the pork chops are thoroughly cooked, then serve.
Storing Pork Chop and Potato Casserole
Store this easy pork chop recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven for delicious leftovers. It’s important to note that pork chop potato casserole does not freeze well, as the potatoes tend to become mushy, affecting the overall texture. However, you can separate the pork chops and freeze them individually.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Boneless Pork Chops
What Can You Serve with Pork Chops?
While the potatoes in this casserole pair well with pork chops, green beans, roasted cauliflower, or vegetable medleys make excellent additional side dishes that aren’t too heavy. It’s always a good idea to serve a hearty and savory dish alongside vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Is It Better to Cook Pork Chops Covered or Uncovered?
Covering pork chops during baking creates steam that helps to retain their moisture. However, if you choose not to cover them, it’s recommended to cook at a higher temperature for a shorter duration.
How Do You Know When Pork Chops Are Done?
Pork chops should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 145º. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and remove the chops as soon as they reach this temperature. Allow them to rest on the counter for a couple of minutes before serving.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
- Chicken in white wine is a savory dish that can be made in one pan.
- My famous beef and cheese enchiladas are another comforting meal the whole family will enjoy.
- For something the kids will love, try this cast iron skillet pizza recipe.
- Southwest chicken and rice casserole offers a hint of spice and can be prepared in under 40 minutes.
More Potato Casseroles to Try
If you loved this recipe, give it a star rating! Also, take a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.