Irresistible Comfort: Pork Chop Casserole
Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience – Pork Chop Casserole! This hearty and flavorful dish is a classic favorite for good reason. With tender boneless pork chops smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy French fried onions, every bite is a taste sensation that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this Pork Chop Casserole is sure to be a hit. Join us as we dive into the recipe and explore all the delicious details!
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless pork chops, medium thickness
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (6 ounce) container French’s French fried onions
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Season Pork Chops: Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, garlic powder, thyme, and parsley.
- Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
- Layer Ingredients: Arrange the seasoned pork chops in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the pork chops, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Add Toppings: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top of the pork chops.
- Continue Baking: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the onions are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the pork chops hot, with extra sauce spooned over the top if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetable Addition: For added flavor and nutrition, consider adding sliced mushrooms or diced onions to the sauce.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pork chops during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Herb Substitution: Substitute dried herbs with fresh ones for a burst of freshness. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless? A: Yes, bone-in pork chops can be used in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, Pork Chop Casserole can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use a different cream soup instead of cream of mushroom? A: Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used as alternatives to cream of mushroom soup.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: Use a low-carb cream of mushroom soup substitute or make your own using heavy cream, mushrooms, and seasonings. Replace the French fried onions with crushed pork rinds for a crunchy topping.
- Low-Carb Version: Follow the keto version substitutions and adjust the ingredients to fit your low-carb dietary preferences.
Pork Chop Casserole is a timeless classic that brings comfort and flavor to any table. With its creamy mushroom sauce, tender pork chops, and crispy onion topping, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a hearty meal, this casserole is the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of Pork Chop Casserole!