This Pork Chop Casserole is a warm and hearty dish that brings comfort food vibes to your table. With juicy pork chops and creamy vegetables, it’s a meal that fills you up!
What’s great is how simple it is to make! Just layer everything in a dish, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need tasty and filling food fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are perfect for flavor and moisture during cooking. If you prefer, boneless chops can work too, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they might cook faster.
Olive Oil: This oil adds a nice flavor when searing. You can substitute with vegetable oil or melted butter if needed.
Mushrooms: Fresh sliced mushrooms bring great texture and earthiness. If you’re not a fan, you could swap them for chopped bell peppers or just leave them out.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream alternative can work well.
Dijon Mustard: It adds a lovely tang. You can substitute with yellow mustard if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Sear Pork Chops?
Getting that beautiful golden crust on your pork chops is key for flavor. Here’s how:
- Make sure the pork chops are at room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
- Use a hot skillet; it should sizzle when you add the oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches if needed to maintain that heat.
- Avoid moving the chops around too much. Let them sit for 3-4 minutes on each side.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly seared pork chops, adding rich flavor to your casserole!
Pork Chop Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by approximately 30 minutes of cooking time in the oven, making it a perfect dish for a busy evening.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s ready when you need to bake the casserole.
2. Season the Pork Chops:
Generously season the pork chops with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and half the dried thyme. This will give them a delightful flavor.
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork chops. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust. Once done, remove the chops and set them aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pot, add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Cook them until softened and lightly browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This will enhance their flavors.
5. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell its delicious aroma.
6. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any flavorful bits sticking there. Then, add the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, mixing everything well, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
7. Season the Sauce:
Taste your sauce and season it with salt, pepper, and the remaining thyme. Adjust according to your taste.
8. Combine Everything:
Return the seared pork chops to the pot, making sure to nestle them in the creamy sauce.
9. Bake:
Cover the pot and transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
10. Rest and Garnish:
After baking, remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the meat retain its juices. Before serving, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or chopped parsley for a nice touch.
Enjoy this rich and comforting pork chop casserole with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe; just keep in mind they may cook faster, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the specified time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pork chop casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover it and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven – you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize the recipe! You can add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking times for harder vegetables to make sure everything is perfectly tender.
