Pork Chops Casserole
If you’re searching for a warm, comforting dish that brings the whole family together around the dinner table, this easy Pork Chops Casserole is exactly what you need. This recipe is packed with flavor, simple ingredients, and comes together faster than you might expect, making it a perfect option for those busy weeknights. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Pork Chops Casserole delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Uses easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps for a fast meal.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s mild but flavorful enough for all ages.
- Comforting Flavors: Combines tender pork chops with creamy sauce and cheesy goodness.
- One-Dish Meal: Minimal cleanup with everything baked in one casserole dish.
- Versatile: Easily adapted with your favorite veggies or seasonings to suit your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pork Chops Casserole recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that will make this dish truly irresistible. From tender pork chops to creamy soup, every component contributes to a balanced, delicious meal.
- Boneless pork chops: These cook evenly and stay tender throughout baking.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Provides a rich, creamy base that brings moisture and flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess, enhancing the sauce’s depth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: Essential for boosting savory notes without fresh chopping.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Optional, for extra color, nutrition, and texture.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and brightening the casserole.
- Butter or oil: For a little extra richness and to lightly grease the baking dish.
Variations for Pork Chops Casserole
This Pork Chops Casserole is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to make it your own! Whether you want to adjust for dietary needs, add extra veggies, or change up the flavors, these variations will inspire you.
- Swap the soup: Use cream of chicken or celery soup for a subtle flavor change.
- Add mushrooms: Fresh sliced mushrooms lend an earthy note and extra savoriness.
- Include fresh herbs: Thyme, rosemary, or parsley brighten the dish beautifully.
- Make it low-carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of mixed vegetables for fewer carbs.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a little kick.
How to Make Pork Chops Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the boneless pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Grease your baking dish with a little butter or oil to keep the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with sour cream until smooth. This mixture will keep the pork chops moist and infuse them with delicious creaminess.
Step 3: Layer and Assemble
Place the seasoned pork chops evenly in the baking dish. If you’re using frozen mixed vegetables, scatter them around and slightly over the pork chops. Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly on top, making sure everything is well covered.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together, and the dish firms up for easier serving.
Pro Tips for Making Pork Chops Casserole
- Choose even-sized pork chops: Ensures uniform cooking and prevents some pieces from drying out.
- Don’t skip seasoning: Layer flavors with salt, pepper, and spices before baking for a tastier result.
- Use a baking dish with sides: Helps contain the creamy sauce and avoid spills in the oven.
- Cover loosely with foil: Prevents the cheese from burning while allowing the casserole to bake thoroughly.
- Rest before serving: Helps the casserole set and makes serving cleaner and easier.
How to Serve Pork Chops Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the top add a pop of green and brightness to contrast the rich casserole, making your dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve with simple sides like mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad to create a well-balanced, hearty meal the whole family will enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins or add breadcrumbs on top before baking to introduce a satisfying crunch to your Pork Chops Casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pork Chops Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well! Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for convenience.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this casserole?
Yes, you can, but bone-in chops might require a longer baking time to ensure they cook through fully. Just keep an eye on them and test for doneness before serving.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own to keep the casserole gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Fresh or frozen veggies like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers can be added to boost nutrition and flavor without changing the cooking process much.
Do I need to thaw frozen vegetables before baking?
No need to thaw frozen vegetables first; you can add them straight to the dish. They will cook perfectly during the casserole’s baking time.
How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?
The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The casserole will be bubbly and the cheese melted when ready.
Final Thoughts
This easy Pork Chops Casserole is a fantastic way to bring simple ingredients together for a meal that feels like a warm hug. Its effortless preparation and comforting flavors make it a reliable go-to for family dinners that everyone will ask for again and again. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Pork Chops Casserole
This easy Pork Chops Casserole is a warm, comforting, and flavorful one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender boneless pork chops with a creamy mushroom sauce, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and optional mixed vegetables, this casserole is simple to prepare, family-friendly, and versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish that brings everyone to the dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- Fresh sliced mushrooms (as desired)
- Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley (to taste)
- Spices such as cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (a pinch, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the boneless pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Grease your baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with sour cream, stirring until smooth. This mixture will keep the pork chops moist and infuse them with creamy flavor.
- Layer and Assemble: Place the seasoned pork chops evenly in the greased baking dish. If using frozen mixed vegetables, scatter them around and slightly over the pork chops. Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the entire dish, ensuring the pork chops and vegetables are well covered.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through, the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Let It Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and allows the casserole to firm up for easier serving.
Notes
- Choose even-sized pork chops to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dryness.
- Don’t skip seasoning the pork chops for better flavor layering.
- Use a baking dish with sides to contain the sauce and avoid spills.
- Cover loosely with foil during baking if you want to prevent cheese from burning while ensuring thorough cooking.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to help it set and make serving easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: pork chops casserole, easy pork dinner, comfort food, one dish meal, family dinner, creamy pork casserole, baked pork chops
