This Pork Chop Potato Casserole is a warm and hearty dish that’s super easy to whip up. It features juicy pork chops layered with creamy potatoes and cheesy goodness—yum!
It’s like a hug in a dish! I love making this when I want comfort food without too much fuss. Just pop it in the oven and relax while it cooks. Perfect for busy days!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops work great here, but you can also use bone-in chops for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey cutlets are a good substitute.
Potatoes: I love using russet potatoes for their creaminess, but Yukon Golds also work well. If you’re short on potatoes, try using frozen hash browns instead. Just thaw them before using!
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar give a wonderful cheesy flavor, but feel free to mix it up. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can add an interesting twist!
Sour Cream/Mayo: If you prefer a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream. It adds creaminess without all the fat.
Herbs: Dried herbs are great, but fresh herbs will enhance the flavor. If you have fresh thyme or rosemary, use them! Oregano or parsley can be nice alternatives too.
How Do I Properly Brown Pork Chops?
Browning your pork chops before baking helps lock in flavor and moisture. Follow these simple steps:
- Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot, but not smoking.
- Season your chops with salt, pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.
- Add the chops to the skillet, leaving enough space between each to ensure even cooking.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re golden on one side, then flip and repeat. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked; they will finish baking in the casserole.
This step really enhances the taste of the pork and makes for a delicious casserole!
Pork Chop Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or fresh rosemary leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to bake it for around 55-60 minutes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner after a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This will make serving the casserole so much easier!
2. Season the Pork Chops:
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika (if you like a little kick) over your pork chops. This seasoning will add nice flavor to the meat!
3. Brown the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point, just that nice golden color. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Mix the Potato Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the grated potatoes, grated onion, minced garlic, sour cream (or mayonnaise), half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, thyme, and rosemary. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then mix well until everything is combined.
5. Layer the Casserole:
Spread half of the potato mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, place the browned pork chops on top of the potato layer. Finally, spread the remaining potato mixture over the pork chops, pressing it down gently.
6. Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the potatoes are cooked through.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once it’s done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows everything to settle. If you’d like, you can garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to make it look extra special before serving!
This casserole is sure to be a hit with its juicy pork chops baked beneath a creamy, cheesy potato crust. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses pork chops, you can substitute them with boneless chicken breasts or turkey cutlets for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since chicken may take slightly longer to cook through.
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes?
Yes! Frozen hash browns can be a convenient substitute for fresh potatoes. Just make sure to thaw them before mixing with the other ingredients to achieve the right consistency.
