Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

When it comes to cozy, soul-warming meals that feel like a hug on a plate, smothered pork chop and scalloped potato casserole sits right at the top. This dish combines juicy, pan-seared pork chops with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, all baked together in a rich, creamy onion gravy that soaks into every bite. It’s hearty, satisfying, and deeply comforting—exactly the kind of recipe that brings people back to the dinner table again and again.

This casserole is inspired by classic Southern smothered pork chops and traditional scalloped potatoes, but instead of serving them separately, everything bakes together in one dish. The result? Maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. The pork chops stay tender, the potatoes become melt-in-your-mouth soft, and the creamy sauce thickens beautifully as it bakes.

Whether you’re cooking for a Sunday family dinner, a cold winter night, or simply craving old-fashioned comfort food, this pork chop scalloped potato casserole delivers every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this dish, but here are the biggest ones:

• One-pan comfort food – Meat and potatoes baked together in one casserole.
• Ultra-creamy texture – Thanks to the rich gravy and slow baking.
• Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
• Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Crowd-pleasing – A guaranteed hit with family and guests.

This recipe is especially popular because it feels indulgent without being complicated. You don’t need fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just patience while it bakes into creamy perfection.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• Bone-in or boneless pork chops
• Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• Yellow onion, thinly sliced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Chicken or beef broth
• Heavy cream or whole milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme or fresh thyme
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Each ingredient plays an important role. The potatoes absorb the sauce, the pork adds richness, and the onions melt into the gravy, creating deep, savory flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish and set aside.
2. Season and sear the pork chops
   Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the onions and garlic
   In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Cook over medium heat until soft and lightly caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Make the creamy gravy
   Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in broth and cream. Simmer until slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
5. Layer the casserole
   Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the casserole dish. Pour half of the gravy over the potatoes. Place pork chops on top, then layer remaining potatoes and gravy.
6. Add cheese (optional)
   Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for extra richness.
7. Bake covered
   Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Bake uncovered
   Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden.
9. Rest and serve
   Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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Tips for Perfect Results

• Slice potatoes thinly so they cook evenly.
• Don’t skip searing the pork—it adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
• Cover tightly during the first bake to trap steam and soften potatoes.
• Let it rest before serving so the sauce thickens.

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Variations and Add-Ins

This casserole is incredibly flexible. Try these variations:

• Mushroom smothered pork chop casserole – Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy.
• Cheesy version – Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
• Herb-forward – Add rosemary or sage for deeper flavor.
• Lighter option – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

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What to Serve With It

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed green beans
• Simple garden salad
• Buttered peas
• Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

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Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead:
Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate.

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.

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Comfort Food With History

Smothered pork chops have deep roots in Southern cooking, where slow cooking and rich gravies were used to tenderize affordable cuts of meat. Scalloped potatoes, on the other hand, originated as a European dish before becoming an American classic. This casserole beautifully merges both traditions into one irresistible comfort food recipe.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels nostalgic, filling, and undeniably comforting, this smothered pork chop and scalloped potato casserole deserves a spot on your table. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite—the one everyone asks for again and again.