This Smothered Pork Chop Casserole is a warm and satisfying dish! It features juicy pork chops sitting on a bed of creamy, cheesy goodness. Comfort food at its best!
I love how simple it is to throw this casserole together! Just pop it in the oven and enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen while it cooks. Perfect for family nights! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Use boneless pork chops for easy slicing and serving. If you prefer bone-in chops, they work well too! Just adjust the cooking time a little longer.
Bacon: The crispy bacon adds great flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon can be a good substitute, but it won’t be as crispy.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This gives the dish its creamy texture. For a healthier option, you can use a homemade mushroom sauce or a cream of chicken soup instead.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the dish. Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute if you want a lower-fat option.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness, but feel free to mix in cheddar for extra sharpness! Vegan cheese can also work if you’re dairy-free.
What’s the Best Way to Sear the Pork Chops?
To get that beautiful golden crust on your pork chops, searing is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the oil – this prevents the chops from sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed for an even sear.
- Only flip the chops once. Let them cook on one side until they easily release from the pan, about 2-3 minutes.
- Rest the chops after searing so they stay juicy when baking.
Taking these steps will help keep your pork chops juicy and full of flavor in this casserole! Enjoy the cooking process!
Smothered Pork Chop Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar or a mix)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Smothered Pork Chop Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to cook, making the total time around 1 hour. It’s an easy dish to prepare, and the end result is comforting and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly!
2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because a dry surface helps achieve that lovely golden-brown sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork chops in the skillet. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Bacon:
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook it until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels. Leave the delicious drippings in the pan for flavor!
5. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onions (and bell peppers, if you’re using them) to the skillet. Sauté until they are softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and your choice of dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.
7. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Then, arrange the seared pork chops in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the chops, ensuring they are well coated.
8. Add Bacon and Cheese:
Sprinkle the cooked bacon over the pork chops, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the pork chops have reached a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
10. Let Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices in the pork chops! Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Enjoy your rich, creamy, and savory Smothered Pork Chop Casserole with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed green veggies for a hearty home-cooked meal!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops in This Recipe?
It’s best to thaw the pork chops before using them for this casserole. Thaw frozen pork chops overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Searing them is crucial to developing flavor, so make sure they’re completely thawed first!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this casserole dairy-free, substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or a plant-based sour cream alternative. For cheese, use a dairy-free cheese substitute, and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is dairy-free as well, or make your own using coconut milk and mushrooms.
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add vegetables based on your preference. Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would all be delicious additions. Just make sure to sauté them until softened before adding the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water to help keep it moist during reheating if necessary.
