Baked Pork Chops and Potatoes with a Creamy Mushroom Gravy
When the weather turns cool and you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug, this recipe for Baked Pork Chops and Potatoes is the perfect solution. It’s a classic comfort food that brings together tender, perfectly seasoned pork chops, soft potatoes, and a rich, savory mushroom gravy all in a single baking dish. The best part? The entire meal comes together in one pan, which means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying the delicious results. This is a family-friendly dish that is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of meals that are both incredibly delicious and wonderfully convenient. This recipe perfectly embodies that philosophy. What I love most is how the flavors are built in layers. Searing the pork chops first not only gives them a beautiful brown crust but also creates a flavorful foundation in the pan for the gravy. As the dish bakes, the pork becomes incredibly tender, the potatoes soften to perfection, and the creamy gravy bubbles and reduces, infusing every component with its rich, savory taste. It’s a complete meal all in one dish, which makes it a dream for busy weeknights when you want to serve something hearty and homemade without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- 6 pork chops (boneless or bone-in)
- 4–5 medium Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Pork Chops: This recipe works well with both boneless and bone-in pork chops. Bone-in chops tend to be a little more flavorful and may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.
- Potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are a great choice because they hold their shape well while cooking. Russet potatoes are also good and will give you a softer, more rustic texture. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms will give you a better flavor and texture, but canned mushrooms are a great shortcut. If you’re a mushroom lover, you can certainly add more to the gravy.
- Gravy Base: The cream of mushroom soup makes for an incredibly easy and rich gravy. If you prefer to make a gravy from scratch, you can use a roux of flour and butter and then whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is optional but highly recommended. It adds a luxurious richness and creaminess to the gravy that makes the dish truly special.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Preheat Oven and Season Pork: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Season both sides of the pork chops generously with this spice mixture.
- Sear the Pork Chops: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil or butter. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned pork chops in a single layer. Sear for 2−3 minutes per side until they are beautifully browned. This step is crucial for building flavor. Remove the pork chops from the pan and set them aside.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, with all the delicious browned bits, add the diced onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they have softened and the onions are translucent. Add the can of cream of mushroom soup, the chicken broth, and the heavy cream (if using). Whisk until smooth and let it simmer for 2−3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the cubed potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes. Pour the gravy evenly over the meat and potatoes, making sure everything is coated.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the pork chops are fully cooked.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the pork chops, work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will cause the meat to steam instead of sear, and you’ll miss out on that delicious browned crust.
- Cut Potatoes Evenly: Make sure you cut your potatoes into cubes of a similar size. This ensures they all cook at the same rate, so you don’t end up with some that are undercooked and some that are mushy.
- Use the Right Pan: Using a cast-iron skillet for searing is ideal, as it holds heat well and creates a great crust. But any large skillet will do. Be sure to scrape up the browned bits from the pan when you make the gravy, as they are full of flavor.
- Check for Doneness: You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your pork chops. For a perfect, juicy pork chop, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is a complete meal on its own, with the pork, potatoes, and a rich gravy. However, it would be wonderful with a side of steamed green beans or a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A loaf of crusty bread would also be a perfect addition for soaking up all the extra gravy.
For a drink pairing, a light-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or a crisp hard cider would complement the savory flavors of the pork and gravy beautifully.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is a hearty, satisfying meal that is higher in calories and fat due to the creamy gravy and pork chops. However, it’s also a good source of protein and provides carbohydrates from the potatoes. You can make it slightly lighter by using a low-fat cream of mushroom soup and skipping the heavy cream.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this dish are fantastic! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and warm it up, or for a better texture, place it in a covered oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Pork Chops and Potatoes recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, delicious, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender pork, fluffy potatoes, and a savory gravy is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments how you and your family enjoyed this cozy meal!
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