Hearty Pork Chop Casserole Recipe

Tender Pork Chop Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Comfort food takes center stage with this mouthwatering pork chop casserole recipe that promises to delight every hungry soul at the dinner table.

Tender cuts of meat nestle perfectly between layers of creamy, cheesy goodness.

Rich, savory flavors blend seamlessly in this hearty dish that speaks straight to the heart.

Potatoes and vegetables add depth and nutrition to every satisfying bite.

Each forkful delivers a warm embrace of home-cooked deliciousness that feels like a culinary hug.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal everyone will crave.

Dive into this classic comfort dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Tools You’ll Use For Pork Chop Casserole

  • Large skillet: Essential for searing pork chops and creating a golden-brown crust.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for layering and baking the entire casserole.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine soup, broth, milk, and onions for the base.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure liquid ingredients and broth.
  • Aluminum foil: Covers the casserole during initial baking to prevent drying.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients and spreading soup mixture.
  • Meat thermometer: Ensures pork chops reach safe internal temperature.
  • Cutting board: Use for preparing and seasoning pork chops.
  • Chef's knife: Helps chop onions and prepare ingredients.

How To Bake Pork Chop Casserole

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with an inviting heat of 375F. Gently coat a baking dish with a light layer of oil to prevent sticking.

  • Flavor Infusion

Massage pork chops with a blend of savory seasonings. Sizzle them in a hot skillet until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy goodness.

  • Creamy Foundation

Whisk together a velvety mixture of rich soups, broth, and milk. Create a luxurious base by spreading rice or tender potato slices across the bottom of the baking dish, then bathe them in the creamy liquid.

  • Layered Masterpiece

Nestle the perfectly seared pork chops on top of the dreamy base. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a shower of cheese that will melt into pure deliciousness.

  • Baking Magic

Shield the dish with foil and let it transform in the oven. After most of the cooking time, unveil the casserole to allow the top to turn golden and crisp.

  • Serving Finale

Allow the casserole to rest and settle its flavors. Slice into this comforting creation and enjoy a meal that speaks directly to the soul.

Tips To Boost Pork Chop Casserole Flavor

  • Flavor Boosting Tip: Use bone-in pork chops for deeper, richer flavor and more tender meat. These cuts retain moisture better and provide extra juiciness during baking.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice or potatoes with cauliflower rice or sliced zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content. This swap creates a lighter, vegetable-packed version perfect for keto dieters.
  • Herb Infusion Technique: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage mixed into the soup base. These herbs add aromatic complexity and elevate the overall taste profile of the casserole.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute dairy-based soups with coconut milk cream and dairy-free cream of mushroom alternatives. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to maintain rich, savory notes while accommodating lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure everything heats evenly.

How To Serve Pork Chop Casserole Warm

  • Hearty Comfort Plate: Pair this rich casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the creamy texture and add fresh brightness.
  • Family Feast Companion: Serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a complete meal that adds extra vegetable nutrition and color contrast.
  • Bread Lover's Delight: Complement the dish with warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir to harmonize with the savory pork and creamy soup base.

Smart Storage For Pork Chop Casserole

  • Meal Timing Magic: Prepare this hearty casserole in advance during weekend meal prep, storing components separately for quick weeknight assembly.
  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Store leftover casserole in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish's texture and flavor intact. Ensure complete cooling before refrigeration to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual portions or entire casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal taste and consistency.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. For individual servings, microwave 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Add small splash of chicken broth if mixture seems dry during reheating to restore moisture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Pork Chop Casserole

For Protein Base:
  • Pork Chops: Select bone-in chops for richer flavor and juicier meat, preferably from the center cut with even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth and enhances the meat's natural savoriness without overwhelming other flavors.
For Creamy Binding:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates luxurious, velvety sauce that helps tenderize meat and infuse rich, comforting flavors.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides additional moisture and deepens the overall taste profile of the casserole.
  • Milk: Helps thin the soup mixture and creates a smoother, more delicate sauce texture.
For Supporting Elements:
  • Olive Oil: Enables perfect golden-brown searing of pork chops, introducing delightful caramelization.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight the natural flavors of the meat and enhance overall taste.
  • Uncooked Rice or Sliced Potatoes: Serves as hearty base that absorbs delicious sauce and provides satisfying texture.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping that adds creamy, tangy richness and appealing golden-brown crust.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh garnish that cuts through the dish's richness.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hearty Pork Chop Casserole Recipe

Hearty Pork Chop Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty Midwestern pork chop casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables with its rich, creamy layers. Home cooks can easily prepare this classic dish that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in or boneless pork chops
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) uncooked long-grain white rice (or 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes)
  • 1 (10.5 oz / 300 g) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (10.5 oz / 300 g) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) chicken broth
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and coat a rectangular baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray to ensure effortless release.
  2. Pork Chop Searing: Generously season pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Develop a rich mahogany crust by sizzling the meat in a scorching skillet with olive oil, caramelizing each side for 2-3 minutes to lock in robust flavors.
  3. Sauce and Base Construction: Whisk together mushroom soup, chicken soup, broth, and milk into a velvety elixir. Incorporate diced onions for depth. Spread uncooked rice or potato slices across the baking dish’s foundation, then evenly drench with the creamy mixture, creating a luxurious landscape for the protein.
  4. Assembly and Cheese Embrace: Position the golden-edged pork chops atop the rice/potato layer. Lavish the surface with a blanket of sharp cheddar cheese, promising a molten, tantalizing finish.
  5. Baking and Transformation: Encase the dish in aluminum foil, allowing it to metamorphose in the oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 15-20 minutes until starches turn tender and pork reaches a succulent 145F internal temperature.
  6. Serving Finale: Let the casserole harmonize and settle briefly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous crown before presenting this comforting culinary masterpiece.

Notes

  • Sear Strategically: Quickly brown pork chops on high heat to lock in juices and create a flavorful caramelized exterior without overcooking the meat.
  • Manage Moisture Carefully: Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent drying out, then uncover to allow cheese to melt and rice or potatoes to crisp slightly around edges.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm pork reaches exactly 145F internal temperature, ensuring juicy meat without risking food safety or tough texture.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular milk with dairy-free alternatives, use low-sodium soups for heart-conscious diets, or substitute rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star