Cheesy Pork Chop and Potato Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving something comforting, hearty, and downright delicious, this Cheesy Pork Chop and Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with such inviting aromas and delivers on flavor with every bite. I remember the first time I made this dish; it quickly became a family favorite because it’s simple to put together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Keep reading, because I’m about to share everything you need to nail this cozy casserole perfectly!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Layering: Thin potato slices soak up the savory flavors while staying tender under juicy pork chops.
- Savory Cream Sauce: The cream of mushroom soup mixed with milk creates a luscious base that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Cheesy Finish: That golden melted cheddar on top adds richness and an irresistible crust that pulls it all together.
- Simple Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip this casserole up any weeknight without fuss.
Ingredients & Why They Work
These ingredients come together like old friends—each bringing its unique flavor and texture to the dish. When shopping, look for fresh potatoes with smooth skins and thick pork chops with a bit of marbling for extra juiciness.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for searing the pork chops to lock in savory juices and create a flavorful crust.
- Pork chops: Boneless ones work best here for even cooking and easy layering in the casserole.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: The secret to a creamy, comforting sauce that ties it all together.
- Milk: Lightens the soup and keeps the casserole moist without being heavy.
- Potatoes: Thinly sliced so they cook evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors beneath the pork.
- Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: For that irresistible cheesy topping that melts into golden perfection.
Tweak to Your Taste
This is a recipe I love to make my own depending on the mood. Feel free to play around with the cheese type or add your favorite veggies – the great thing is it’s super adaptable.
- Variation: I sometimes swap Cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a little kick, and it changes the vibe while still being delicious.
- Make it veggie-packed: Adding sliced bell peppers or mushrooms pairs wonderfully with the mushrooms in the soup.
- Diet tweaks: Use low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative if you want to lighten it up without losing that creamy texture.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Pork Chop and Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Pork Chops to Lock in Juices
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot and shimmering, add the pork chops and sear each side until beautifully golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is key because it builds flavor and keeps them juicy inside the casserole. Don’t skip it or crowd the pan!
Step 2: Layer the Potatoes and Onions
While the pork is browning, slice your potatoes nice and thin—no thicker than ¼ inch, or they’ll take forever to cook. In a baking dish (9×13-inch works great), spread out the potatoes, then sprinkle the chopped onions evenly on top. This layering makes sure every bite gets some tender potatoes and a bit of sweet onion.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Soup Mixture and Assemble
In a bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup with the cup of milk until smooth. Pour this mix over the potatoes and onions, then gently place the seared pork chops on top. The soup mixture helps everything cook evenly and stay moist.
Step 4: Bake, Cheese, and Bake Again
Bake the casserole uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes. Then pull it out, sprinkle the shredded Cheddar evenly across the top, and pop it back in for another 30 minutes. The cheese melts, bubbles up, and forms a golden-crispy topping that’s pure comfort food magic. Let it cool a bit before serving—patience pays off with better flavor and texture.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Pork Chop and Potato Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Brown pork chops in batches if needed; this ensures they sear properly and develop flavor.
- Slice Potatoes Thin: Thin slices cook evenly and soak up the soup sauce perfectly – thick slices can stay undercooked.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit 10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Do Not Skip Cheese Layer: It’s the finishing touch that turns a simple casserole into a family favorite.
How to Serve Cheesy Pork Chop and Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love throwing a handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving—it adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. A little cracked black pepper fresh from the mill is always a nice touch too.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty filling on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to bring some lightness and crunch to the meal. Sometimes I’ll toss together a quick coleslaw or roasted Brussels sprouts if I want a warm veggie on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins – it feels a little fancy and makes portioning easier. You can also sprinkle some extra herbs or even a few crushed red pepper flakes for a colorful, slightly spicy twist that guests always appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually cool it completely before refrigerating to avoid sogginess, then reheat only what I’m eating to keep flavors fresh.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by assembling it but skipping the final cheese layer. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge. Add cheese on top before baking as usual—the texture stays great!
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in, usually about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method keeps the casserole tasting closer to fresh-baked, especially if you add a sprinkle of cheese on top before warming.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in pork chops for this casserole?
You can, but bone-in pork chops will take longer to cook through. Make sure to adjust your baking time accordingly, and consider cutting the chops into smaller pieces so they cook evenly with the potatoes.
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What type of potatoes work best in this casserole?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and become tender without turning mushy. Russets work too, but slice them thin to ensure even cooking.
- Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version or homemade mushroom sauce, use almond or oat milk, and swap the Cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative. The flavors will still be comforting and satisfying.
- Is it necessary to brown the pork chops before baking?
While not absolutely necessary, browning the pork chops first adds a depth of flavor and texture you don’t get from baking alone. It’s worth the extra step for tastier results.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance (without cheese on top), keep it covered in the fridge, then bake when ready. Adding cheese just before the last bake gives you that fresh-from-the-oven appeal.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pork Chop and Potato Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights when you want comfort without a fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it becomes a new favorite in your home too—trust me, it’s that good!
Print
Cheesy Pork Chop and Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty pork chop and potato casserole featuring seared pork chops layered over thinly sliced potatoes and onions, baked in a creamy mushroom soup mixture and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 6 boneless pork chops
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 4 potatoes, thinly sliced
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sear Pork Chops: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the boneless pork chops and sear them on each side until browned to lock in flavor.
- Prepare Soup Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup with 1 cup of milk. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes and chopped onion evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes and onions, then pour the soup mixture evenly over the entire dish.
- Bake First Phase: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly on top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pork chops are cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider seasoning the pork chops with salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs before searing.
- Slicing the potatoes thinly ensures they cook thoroughly during baking.
- If you prefer, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different taste.
- Use a sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor or mild cheddar for a subtler taste.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set, making it easier to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
