This Heritage Pork Chop Casserole is a comforting classic that brings together tender pork chops, creamy potatoes, and a cheesy topping. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, offering a rich blend of flavors that will leave everyone satisfied.
Pork chops provide a flavorful and tender protein that forms the heart of the dish. Choose bone-in for extra juiciness. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning the meat, enhancing its natural flavors. Olive oil is used for browning the pork chops, adding a subtle richness.
Onion and garlic are sautéed to create a savory base, infusing the dish with aromatic depth. Potatoes add a comforting, starchy layer that absorbs the flavors around them, becoming soft and delicious as they cook.
The cream of mushroom soup mixed with whole milk creates a creamy sauce that coats everything, providing moisture and creaminess. Cheddar cheese melts over the top, adding a gooey, flavorful finish. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A glass of chilled white wine complements the flavors beautifully.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking. While it heats up, season your pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out the flavors. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the pork chops in the skillet and brown them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they have a nice golden crust. Set the pork chops aside once they are done.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This will form a wonderful base for your casserole.
Now, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly. Layer your thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Spread the sautéed onion and garlic evenly over the potatoes, ensuring each bite will have a bit of that savory goodness.
Place the browned pork chops on top of the onion and potato layer, arranging them so they cover most of the dish. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and whole milk. Stir until they’re well blended and pour this creamy mixture over the pork chops and potatoes. This will keep everything moist and flavorful as it bakes.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, sealing it well to trap in the steam, and bake it in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. This gives the potatoes time to soften and absorb the flavors. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once done, remove your casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish before serving.
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