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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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