Pork Chops Casserole
A hearty and comforting Pork Chops Casserole that combines tender pork chops with creamy mushroom or chicken soup, layered with rice or potatoes and topped with melted cheddar cheese, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressive weeknight meals.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (ensure gluten-free soup and breadcrumbs if topping)
Protein
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
Sauce
- 1 can (about 10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups pre-cooked rice or 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Cheese & Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic. Shred the cheddar cheese and measure out the pre-cooked rice or thinly sliced potatoes. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Base: Grease a baking dish and spread the pre-cooked rice evenly or arrange the sliced potatoes to form a sturdy base that will absorb the sauce and ensure even cooking.
- Add the Pork Chops and Onions: Place the seasoned pork chops over the rice or potatoes. Scatter the sliced onions and minced garlic around and on top of the pork chops to infuse flavor while baking.
- Mix and Pour the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the condensed cream soup with chicken broth or water. Stir in herbs like thyme or rosemary if using, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the pork chops and base, making sure everything is well coated but not overly saturated.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire casserole. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy pork chops.
Notes
- Use thick pork chops (about 1 inch) to keep the meat juicy during baking.
- Pre-cook rice or potatoes to ensure even cooking and proper sauce absorption.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking dish to allow proper browning of pork chops.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and parmesan before baking.
- Can substitute pork chops with mushrooms or plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
- Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or potatoes for a low-carb alternative.
- Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a spicy variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture; avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery pork.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: pork chops casserole, baked pork chops, creamy pork casserole, comfort food, one dish meal, family dinner