Name: Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4–6 boneless or bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried); 2 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes, thinly sliced; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe·5 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that instantly becomes a family favorite—pairing tender, juicy pork chops with creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes smothered in a dreamy sauce. I promise, once you make this, it’ll be on your rotation for cozy dinners. So, let’s dive in and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure yours turns out just right!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Harmony of Flavors: The savory, spiced pork chops pair beautifully with the rich, creamy scalloped potatoes, creating a comforting balance on every bite.
One-Pan Convenience: Using an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish means fewer dishes and a meal that comes together with ease.
Layered Texture: Thinly sliced potatoes and cheese layered with rich sauce give every forkful that irresistible gooey and melting texture you love.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers or prepping ahead for busy nights.

Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole, pork chop and scalloped potato casserole, hearty pork and potato bake, comforting pork dinner, baked pork chop recipe - In a white baking dish, there are five golden brown cooked meat pieces placed on top of a layer of thin potato slices. The potatoes are creamy white with a soft texture, showing slightly browned edges. The meat has a warm brown crust with visible pepper seasoning. Bits of chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the dish, adding a fresh color contrast. The edges of the baking dish show some browned sauce residue, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe plays an essential role—from the seasoning on the pork that adds bold flavor, to the thick sauce that keeps everything luscious. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop smart and understand what each brings to the table.

Pork Chops: I like using thick, bone-in chops when possible for more flavor and juiciness, but boneless work too if you prefer easy slicing.
Olive Oil: Perfect for searing with a nice flavor that doesn’t overpower. You can swap with avocado oil if desired.
Spices (Garlic powder, Onion powder, Paprika): These add depth and a smoky warmth that really elevate the pork chops.
Onion and Garlic: Start your sauce with caramelized onions and garlic for a sweet, savory base.
Butter and Flour: These make a roux, the thickening foundation for the creamy sauce—don’t skip or skimp on these!
Milk, Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: The combo keeps the sauce rich but silky, balancing creaminess with a bit of savory depth.
Thyme: I love thyme’s earthy aroma—it brings out a subtle herbaceousness that’s perfect with pork and potatoes.
Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet): Both work well but Yukon Gold yields creamier texture; slice thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through perfectly.
Mozzarella or Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère melts beautifully with a buttery nuttiness; mozzarella offers lovely stretch and mildness—choose your fave or a combination!
Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright contrast when sprinkled on top right before serving.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’ve played around with this Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe quite a bit, and I encourage you to tailor it however you like! Cooking is more fun when it reflects your favorite flavors and dietary needs.

Herb Swap: I sometimes replace thyme with rosemary or sage, especially in the fall, to give it an earthier aroma I adore.
Cheese Variation: If you like sharper cheese, try swapping in sharp cheddar or a bit of Parmesan for extra punch.
Diet-Friendly: To lighten it up, use low-fat milk and skip the heavy cream, or substitute with half-and-half.
Spice Kick: If you want a touch of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle for a smoky twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Pork Chops

Start by seasoning your pork chops generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This combo gives them that perfect savory, smoky bite. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chops for about 2–3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. Don’t skip this step—it seals in the juices and amps up flavor. Once seared, transfer the chops to a plate and keep them aside.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce Base

In the same skillet, toss in butter and let it melt. Add thinly sliced onions and cook over medium heat until they’re soft and caramelized—about 5 minutes. This little bit of sweetness adds magic to your sauce. Then add minced garlic, cooking just for about a minute until fragrant. Now, sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions and garlic, stirring to form a roux. Cook that for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Whisk in Liquids & Seasonings

Gradually pour in the milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream, whisking constantly so you don’t get lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—it’ll thicken beautifully. Stir in thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is the heart of your scalloped potatoes, so give it a taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Layer Potatoes, Sauce, and Cheese

If your skillet is big enough, you can build the casserole right there; otherwise, transfer the sauce to a 9×13 baking dish. Layer half the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom, pour half the sauce over them, and sprinkle half the shredded cheese on top. Repeat this layering with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese. Layering is key here for even cooking and that luscious, cheesy pull.

Step 5: Nestle Pork Chops and Bake

Place the seared pork chops right on top of the layered casserole. Cover the whole dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for 20–25 minutes more until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. I always let mine rest for about 10 minutes before serving—this helps it set and makes for easier slicing.

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Pro Tips for Making Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe

Slice Potatoes Thin and Even: Using a mandoline or very sharp knife helps the potatoes cook through evenly and creates perfect layers.
Don’t Rush Searing: Take your time to get a nice golden crust on the pork chops—they lock in flavor and moisture wonderfully.
Taste the Sauce Before Baking: The sauce is your flavor base, so adjust salt, pepper, and herbs before assembling the casserole for the best result.
Rest Before Serving: Letting it sit post-oven makes slicing easier and enhances the texture.

How to Serve Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish mine off with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to add that burst of color and fresh herbal brightness. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper on top right before serving for a subtle kick. It’s simple but makes a big difference!

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is so rich and filling, I pair it with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon and a hint of garlic. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus work beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual oven-safe ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Another idea is to garnish with crunchy fried shallots or toasted breadcrumbs on top for an added texture contrast that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the leftover casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It holds up well in the fridge for 3–4 days, and flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier next-day meals.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, I recommend assembling the casserole but holding off on baking. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—adding extra baking time as needed.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil to keep moisture, then remove foil toward the end to let the top crisp back up. Microwaving works too but you risk losing that lovely cheesy texture.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops often bring extra flavor and stay juicy during cooking. Just make sure they’re about 1-inch thick for even cooking alongside the potatoes.
What type of potato is best for the scalloped potatoes?

I prefer Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, but russet potatoes also work great and yield a fluffier bite. Just slice them thin and evenly for consistent cooking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap butter for a plant-based alternative, and use coconut milk or almond milk with a bit of full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream and milk. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly but it’s still delicious!
How do I know when the potatoes are done baking?

After the baking time, check doneness by inserting a knife or skewer into the potatoes; it should slide in smoothly without resistance. If it feels firm, give it a bit more time.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble everything the day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bake as directed—adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be chilled.

Final Thoughts

This Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart as the ultimate comfort food that I always turn to when I want something satisfying and homey. The way the juicy pork and creamy potatoes meld together to make each bite rich and indulgent never gets old. I hope when you make it, you’ll feel the same joy and warmth I do sharing it with my family. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!