Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet).
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Add sliced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic; cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, chicken broth, thyme, and paprika. Simmer 2-3 minutes until combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish.
- Pour half the sauce over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the sauce.
- Arrange pork chops on top.
- Add remaining potatoes.
- Pour remaining sauce over potatoes.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil; bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil; bake another 20-25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with parsley.
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Thinly sliced potatoes are key for even cooking. A mandoline slicer is helpful!
- Seasoning: Feel free to add cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Bone-in or boneless? Both work great, but bone-in adds extra flavor.
Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Use Gruyere or mozzarella instead of cheddar.
- Add sliced bell peppers or spinach.
- Use cream of chicken soup or a homemade creamy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C).
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops?
Yes, but be careful not to overcook them.
What to Serve With It?
This casserole is filling on its own, but pairs well with a side salad or green beans.
Enjoy your delicious Smothered Pork Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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