Life gets busy, and sometimes, the thought of cooking a full, delicious meal can feel overwhelming. That’s where this Easy Chops & Taters recipe comes in. It’s the kind of dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, all thanks to the magic of cooking everything in one pan. Imagine tender, juicy pork chops mingling with perfectly seasoned, fork-tender potatoes, absorbing all those incredible savory juices as they bake. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a weeknight savior that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why I Love This Recipe
As a busy home cook, I’m always on the hunt for recipes that are both satisfying and straightforward. This one-pan wonder checks all the boxes. What I love most about Easy Chops & Taters is how truly effortless it is. There’s no juggling multiple pots and pans, and the cleanup is a breeze. But beyond the convenience, the flavors are absolutely fantastic. The potatoes, nestled right alongside the pork, become infused with all the drippings and seasonings, making them incredibly savory. It’s a complete meal that feels hearty and comforting, perfect for any night of the week.
List of Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Easy Chops & Taters:
- 4-6 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
- 4-6 medium-sized potatoes (such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes)
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp season-all salt (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Pork Chop Cut: I prefer bone-in pork chops for extra flavor, but boneless work perfectly well too. Adjust cooking time slightly for thinner or thicker chops.
- Potato Variety: Russets are great for fluffiness, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier texture. Red potatoes hold their shape well. Feel free to use what you have on hand!
- Seasoning Alternatives: If you don’t have “season-all salt,” you can create your own blend. A good substitute would be a mix of garlic salt, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other herbs like dried rosemary or thyme for different flavor profiles.
- Heat Level: If you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the seasoning mix.
- Veggies: Want to add more vegetables? Carrots, onions, or bell peppers sliced into similar-sized pieces can be added to the pan during the last 30 minutes of baking.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Easy Chops & Taters:
- Prep Your Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large baking dish or roasting pan that’s big enough to hold everything in a single layer.
- Prep the Potatoes: Thoroughly wash and scrub your potatoes. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. You can leave the skin on for extra nutrients and texture.
- Arrange the Pan: Lightly coat the bottom of your baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil. Place your halved potatoes down the middle of the pan.
- Season Everything: Drizzle the pork chops and potatoes with the remaining olive oil. Season generously with season-all salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well coated.
- Cover and Bake (First Phase): Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam, ensuring the pork chops stay juicy and the potatoes become wonderfully tender. Transfer the covered dish to your preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
- Uncover and Broil (Second Phase): After 1 hour, carefully remove the foil. The chops and potatoes should be tender.
- Broil for Golden Finish: Turn on your oven’s broiler. Place the uncovered pan back into the oven, keeping a close eye on it. Broil for 3-7 minutes, or until the pork chops are beautifully golden brown and the potatoes have a slight crisp to their edges. The exact time will depend on your broiler, so watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Garnish with fresh, chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy how those potatoes absorbed all that wonderful pork flavor!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For the best results, ensure your pork chops and potatoes are in a single layer. If your pan is too small, use two pans to allow for even cooking and browning.
- Pat Chops Dry: For a better sear and crispier exterior during broiling, pat your pork chops dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Broiler Vigilance: Broilers can be very powerful. Stay by the oven and watch constantly during the broiling step, as food can go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.
- Potato Size: Try to use potatoes of similar size so they cook evenly. If you have very large potatoes, you might want to quarter them instead of just halving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Easy Chops & Taters dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette to add a fresh, bright contrast. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus would also be fantastic vegetable additions. For a beverage pairing, a crisp apple cider, a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, or even a refreshing iced tea would complement the meal beautifully.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Easy Chops & Taters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, I recommend warming them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, which helps maintain the texture of both the chops and potatoes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but the potatoes might lose some of their crispness.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you appreciate the simplicity and deliciousness of this one-pan meal, you’ll love these other easy and satisfying recipes:
- For another fantastic sheet pan dinner idea, check out These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way To Feed A Crowd Fast.
- Craving more comforting, cheesy goodness? You’ll adore This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
- If you’re in the mood for a classic done right, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce is a timeless favorite.
- For a fun, party-friendly appetizer that’s always a hit, try These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack Tater Tot Nachos For The Win.
- And for a truly easy and delicious twist on a classic, make sure to try Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders With Marinara Garlic Butter.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chops & Taters recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, cooked with a little care, can create an incredibly satisfying meal. It’s hearty, flavorful, and best of all, incredibly easy to pull off on even the busiest of evenings. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen!
What are your go-to easy weeknight dinners? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! And for more quick and delicious recipes, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.
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