There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that combines tender pork chops with creamy, savory potatoes. Creamy Pork Chops and Potatoes is one of those meals that wraps you in a warm, satisfying hug—perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you’re looking to impress guests with a hearty, home-cooked meal.
While the exact origins of this dish are a bit murky, it’s clear that it draws inspiration from both American and European traditions where pork and potatoes are beloved staples. The result? A dish that’s rich in flavor, creamy in texture, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Casserole
This Creamy Pork Chops and Potatoes dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can create a balanced and complete meal:
Steamed Vegetables
Light and fresh: Pair the creamy casserole with steamed green beans, carrots, or broccoli. The freshness of the vegetables adds a nice contrast to the rich, creamy flavors.
Crisp Salad
A refreshing counterpoint: Serve a simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette on the side. The acidity of the dressing helps cut through the creaminess of the casserole, providing a refreshing balance.
Crusty Bread
Perfect for soaking up sauce: A crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls are ideal for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate, ensuring none of that creamy goodness goes to waste.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To make this delicious, comforting dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 6-8 pork loin chops (boneless or bone-in): The star of the dish, bringing tender, juicy meat to the table.
- 6 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced: The creamy foundation of the casserole, these potatoes soak up all the flavors.
- 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup (10 ounces each): Adds a rich, savory base to the sauce.
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 ounces): Provides creaminess without being too heavy.
- 3/4 cup water: Helps create a smooth, pourable sauce.
- 3 tablespoons onion soup base (or 1 packet of Lipton onion soup mix): Infuses the dish with deep, savory onion flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the dish.
- Optional: Fried onions: For a crunchy, flavorful topping that adds texture and a touch of indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Creamy Pork Chops and Potatoes
Let’s dive into the process of creating this comforting dish, step by step.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C): This lower temperature ensures the pork chops cook slowly and evenly, allowing them to become tender and juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, evaporated milk, water, onion soup base, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This sauce will envelop the pork chops and potatoes, creating a luscious, creamy dish.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes
Arrange the potatoes: In a greased casserole dish, layer the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. These will form the base of the casserole, soaking up the creamy sauce and cooking to perfection.
Step 4: Add the Pork Chops
Place the pork chops: Lay the pork chops on top of the potatoes, spacing them out evenly. Whether you use boneless or bone-in pork chops, they’ll cook up tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Pour the Sauce
Cover with sauce: Pour the creamy mushroom mixture evenly over the pork chops and potatoes, ensuring everything is well-covered. If you’re a fan of a little extra crunch, now’s the time to sprinkle fried onions on top.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover and bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to trap in the moisture. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours. This long, slow bake ensures the pork chops become tender and the potatoes soft and flavorful.
Finish with browning: For the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the top to brown slightly, giving the dish an appetizing golden hue.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Rest the casserole: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken a bit more and the flavors to meld.
Serve: Dish up generous portions of pork chops and potatoes, and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness with your favorite sides.
Variations & Tips: Customize Your Dish
While this Creamy Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:
Cheese Lover’s Delight
Add cheese: For an extra layer of richness, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese over the potatoes before adding the pork chops. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding even more creamy goodness.
Vegetable Boost
Add vegetables: Incorporate sliced carrots, mushrooms, or even green beans into the casserole for added flavor and nutrition. Simply layer them with the potatoes for a complete one-dish meal.
Herb Infusion
Fresh herbs: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the creamy sauce for an aromatic twist that enhances the overall flavor.
Gluten-Free Option
Substitute ingredients: To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix. The flavors will be just as delicious!
Final Thoughts
Creamy Pork Chops and Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food—a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with rich, savory flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its tender pork chops, creamy potatoes, and deliciously smooth sauce.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Bon appétit!
Creamy Pork Chops and Potatoes
Ingredients
- 6-8 pork loin chops boneless or bone-in
- 6 russet potatoes peeled and sliced
- 2 cans 10 oz each condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons onion soup base or 1 packet of Lipton onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fried onions for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup, evaporated milk, water, onion soup base, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Layer the potatoes: Arrange the sliced potatoes evenly in a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Add the pork chops: Place the pork chops on top of the potatoes, spacing them evenly.
- Pour the sauce: Pour the creamy mushroom mixture evenly over the pork chops and potatoes, covering them completely. Optionally, sprinkle fried onions on top.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the top to brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. Serve hot and enjoy!