Description: This recipe brings together tender, juicy pork chops and hearty potatoes, all swimming in a luscious, creamy gravy. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for a satisfying family dinner on a chilly evening. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way the flavors meld together as it bakes, creating a symphony of savory goodness that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 6 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick) – The pork chops are the star of the show, providing a rich, meaty flavor. Using bone-in chops adds extra depth to the dish.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks – Potatoes offer a hearty, comforting element, soaking up the delicious gravy and providing a satisfying base for the pork chops.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional for added flavor) – Bell pepper introduces a subtle sweetness and a touch of vibrant color, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1 small onion, chopped – Onion provides a savory base note, adding complexity and depth to the gravy.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter – Olive oil or butter is used for searing the pork chops and sautéing the vegetables, adding richness and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder imparts a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the pork and other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Onion powder enhances the overall onion flavor, adding depth to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Paprika adds a smoky, slightly sweet note, as well as a beautiful reddish hue to the pork chops.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the pork chops and gravy, balancing the flavors and enhancing the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (for garnish) – Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous touch, brightening the dish and adding a pop of color.
- 2 cups chicken broth – Chicken broth forms the base of the gravy, providing a savory, flavorful liquid that binds all the ingredients together.
- 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz) – Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup adds creaminess and richness to the gravy, creating a luxurious texture.
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening) – Flour can be used to thicken the gravy, creating a richer, more decadent sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth) – Worcestershire sauce adds a complex, umami flavor, enhancing the savory notes of the dish.
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the dish cooks evenly and the potatoes become perfectly tender.
Step 2: Generously season the pork chops with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This step is crucial for infusing the pork chops with flavor from the inside out. Don’t be shy with the seasonings!
Step 3: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering or the butter is melted and slightly browned, carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet.
Step 4: Sear the pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. Searing creates a beautiful crust on the outside of the pork chops, locking in the juices and adding a delightful texture. Set the seared pork chops aside on a plate.
Step 5: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper (if using). Sauté the vegetables over medium heat until they are tender and slightly softened. This step helps to release the flavors of the vegetables, adding depth to the gravy.
Step 6: If you’re using flour to thicken the gravy, sprinkle it over the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. A roux helps to thicken the gravy and prevent it from becoming lumpy.
Step 7: Gradually stir in the chicken broth, cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Simmer for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens slightly. This step allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, savory sauce.
Step 8: In a large baking dish, arrange the potato chunks in the bottom. Pour a bit of the gravy over the potatoes to coat them. This helps to ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the delicious flavors of the gravy.
Step 9: Place the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes in the baking dish. Pour the remaining gravy over the pork chops and potatoes, making sure everything is nicely coated.
Step 10: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to trap the moisture and steam, ensuring that the pork chops and potatoes cook evenly and remain tender.
Step 11: Bake the covered dish for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the potatoes are fork-tender. The top should be slightly browned and bubbly.
Step 12: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with dried parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The pork chops become unbelievably tender and juicy as they simmer in the creamy gravy, while the potatoes soak up all the savory flavors, creating a symphony of taste that’s simply irresistible.
Beyond the taste, this recipe is remarkably easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. The one-pan approach minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Moreover, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices. For example, you could throw in some sliced carrots, mushrooms, or celery to add more texture and flavor. Or, you could experiment with different types of soup, such as cream of celery or cream of broccoli, to create a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Finally, this Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying, perfect for those cozy nights when you want to curl up with a plate of deliciousness. The combination of tender pork, creamy gravy, and fluffy potatoes is simply irresistible, making it a dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, straight from the oven.
- Accompany with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
- A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up the extra gravy.
- For a more elegant presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
Tips:
- For extra tender pork chops, marinate them for at least 30 minutes before searing.
- If you don’t have cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup on hand, you can substitute it with a homemade cream sauce.
- To prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the baking dish, lightly grease it before adding the potatoes.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.) Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving Sodium: Approximately 500-700mg per serving
Conclusion
Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its tender pork chops, creamy gravy, and hearty potatoes, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and content. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor and love.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe? A: Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work just as well as bone-in pork chops. They may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t dry out.
Q2: Can I substitute the potatoes with another vegetable? A: Yes, you can substitute the potatoes with other root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or parsnips. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the vegetable you choose.
Q3: I don’t have cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. What can I use instead? A: You can make a simple cream sauce by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisking in 2 tablespoons of flour, and then gradually adding 2 cups of milk. Simmer until the sauce thickens, and then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this dish? A: Definitely! Feel free to add sliced carrots, mushrooms, celery, or peas to the baking dish along with the potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure that everything is heated through.
