Tender Chops, Creamy Potatoes, and the Casserole That Tastes Like Sunday

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This dish brings me back to slow-paced Sundays at home, when the scent of dinner filled the air long before we sat down to eat. “Tender Chops, Creamy Potatoes, and the Casserole That Tastes Like Sunday” is exactly what it sounds like—comfort in a dish. It’s everything I crave in a homemade meal: juicy pork chops, thinly sliced potatoes, and a savory, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s not fussy, but the results are rich and deeply satisfying. I’ve made this on lazy evenings when I wanted a low-effort meal, and I’ve served it proudly to guests who couldn’t stop asking for seconds. It’s hearty, it’s nostalgic, and it hits all the right notes.

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Why You’ll Love This Tender Chops, Creamy Potatoes, and the Casserole That Tastes Like Sunday

This casserole is more than just dinner—it’s comfort food that soothes the soul. You’ll love how the pork chops stay moist and flavorful, even after baking, while the potatoes soak up all that creamy, savory goodness. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s both rustic and elegant. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe makes it easy to impress.

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What Kind of Pork Chops Should I Use?

I recommend using bone-in pork chops that are at least ¾-inch thick. The bone helps retain moisture and adds flavor during baking. Thin chops tend to dry out too quickly, while thick, boneless cuts may take longer to cook and don’t bring quite the same depth of flavor. Look for well-marbled chops for the juiciest results.

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Options for Substitutions

No pork chops on hand? Chicken thighs are a great alternative—they stay tender and juicy through the baking process. You can also swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes if you want a hint of sweetness to balance the savory sauce. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite unsweetened plant-based cream and broth. As for herbs, thyme is classic, but rosemary or sage would also work beautifully here.

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Ingredients for This Tender Chops, Creamy Potatoes, and the Casserole That Tastes Like Sunday

• Bone-in pork chops: These are the star of the dish. They provide rich, meaty flavor and stay tender throughout baking.
• Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture makes them ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the casserole.
• Garlic cloves: A must for building a savory base.
• Heavy cream: The foundation of the luscious sauce that ties everything together.
• Chicken broth: Enhances flavor and keeps the sauce from being too thick.
• Butter: For sautéing and adding richness.
• All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the cream sauce.
• Thyme: Offers an earthy note that complements both pork and potatoes.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This will help prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of butter and sear the chops for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

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Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed and sauté the sliced onions for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. These build the flavor foundation of the dish.

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Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir to coat. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, then the heavy cream. Add thyme and bring to a simmer. Let it thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

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Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish. Pour over half of the cream sauce. Place the seared pork chops on top. Layer the remaining potatoes over the chops, and finish with the rest of the sauce.

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Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

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How Long to Prepare Tender Chops, Creamy Potatoes, and the Casserole That Tastes Like Sunday

Prep Time: Set aside about 20–25 minutes for the preparation. This includes peeling and slicing potatoes, seasoning and searing the pork chops, sautéing the aromatics, and assembling the casserole layers. Most of the work is front-loaded, so once it’s in the oven, you’re mostly hands-off.

Bake Time: The casserole bakes for 45 minutes covered and another 15–20 minutes uncovered. That’s about 1 hour to bring everything together into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. Letting it rest for 10 minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken and the flavors meld.

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Tips for Perfect Tender Chops, Creamy Potatoes, and the Casserole That Tastes Like Sunday

• Slice potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through.
• Don’t skip the searing step—it locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust on the chops.
• Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, or rub dried thyme between your fingers to release its oils.
• Taste the sauce before layering to ensure it’s properly seasoned.
• Let the casserole rest before serving to allow the creamy sauce to settle and thicken.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using thin pork chops: These tend to dry out quickly. Stick to bone-in, thicker cuts.
• Overcrowding the pan when searing: This lowers the pan’s temperature and results in steaming instead of browning.
• Skipping the flour in the sauce: This step is key to creating a sauce that’s thick enough to coat everything without being runny.
• Layering raw potatoes too thickly: Keep them in a single, slightly overlapping layer so they cook evenly.
• Overbaking: If your oven runs hot, check for doneness a bit earlier to avoid dried-out pork.

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What to Serve With Tender Chops, Creamy Potatoes, and the Casserole That Tastes Like Sunday?

1. Steamed Green Beans

Their crisp texture and slight bitterness balance the richness of the casserole.

2. Simple Garden Salad

A mix of crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes with a light vinaigrette adds freshness.

3. Homemade Applesauce

The sweet and tangy flavor is a classic match for pork chops.

4. Roasted Carrots

Caramelized carrots bring out natural sweetness that complements the savory sauce.

5. Warm Dinner Rolls

Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce left on your plate.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Freezer: You can freeze the fully cooked casserole for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much after storing.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Cholesterol: 105mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to one day in advance and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What’s the best way to slice the potatoes?

Use a mandoline for uniform slices, about 1/8-inch thick, which helps them cook evenly.

Can I use boneless pork chops?

Yes, but make sure they are at least 1 inch thick to avoid drying out during baking.

Is there a low-fat alternative to heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.

Can I add cheese to this casserole?

Absolutely! Sprinkle grated cheddar or Gruyère between the layers or on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.

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Conclusion

This casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with layers of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, meal prep, or a cozy night in, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a household staple. And once you try it, you’ll understand why it tastes like Sunday, any day of the week.

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