Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy

This Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy dish is the epitome of comfort food, a hearty and soulful meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Juicy, tender pork chops are perfectly seared to lock in their flavor, then slowly simmered with tender chunks of potato in a rich, savory gravy. The addition of aromatic onions and bell peppers (optional but highly recommended!) elevates the depth of flavor, creating a truly irresistible sauce that permeates every bite. This is a meal that feels like a warm hug, reminiscent of home-cooked goodness, and surprisingly simple to achieve in one baking dish. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you’re craving a fulfilling, deeply flavorful experience without too much fuss.

Ingredients:

For the Pork Chops & Seasoning:

• 6 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Potatoes & Aromatics:

• 4 medium potatoes (e.g., Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional, for added flavor and color)
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped

For the Gravy & Cooking:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter, divided
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening the gravy)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)

For Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley, or fresh chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Season Pork Chops:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Season both sides of the pork chops generously with this spice mixture.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large oven-safe skillet (or a separate skillet if your baking dish isn’t stovetop safe) over medium-high heat.
   • Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown. You’re not cooking them through, just developing a flavorful crust.
   • Remove the seared pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics & Build Gravy Base:
   • In the same skillet (add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter if needed), reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent.
   • If using, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour over the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste. This step will help thicken your gravy.
4. Create the Gravy:
   • Gradually stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
   • Add the can of cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup and the Worcestershire sauce (if using).
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the gravy starts to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
5. Assemble & Bake:
   • In a large baking dish (or if your skillet is oven-safe, use that), arrange the peeled and chunked potatoes evenly on the bottom.
   • Pour about one-third of the prepared gravy over the potatoes.
   • Place the seared pork chops on top of the potatoes.
   • Pour the remaining gravy all over the pork chops and potatoes, ensuring everything is well coated.
   • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
   • After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue to bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops and potatoes are fork-tender, and the gravy is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
6. Garnish & Serve:
   • Remove the baking dish from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the gravy to thicken further.
   • Garnish with dried parsley (or fresh chopped parsley) before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort meal!

Tips, Variations, and Storage:

• Pork Chop Thickness: Adjust baking time if your pork chops are significantly thicker or thinner than 1 inch. Thicker chops will need more time, thinner chops less.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced carrots, celery, or even mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Creamy Gravy: For an even richer, creamier gravy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the chicken broth.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick to the seasoning.
• Homemade Soup Concentrate: If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can make a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in chicken broth and a little milk or cream, seasoning it well, to create your own creamy base.
• Storage: Leftover smothered pork chops and potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy is too thick.

Pairings:

• Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Essential for soaking up every last drop of that delicious gravy!
• Vegetable Sides: Steamed green beans, asparagus, or roasted root vegetables would complement the meal beautifully.
• Wine: A medium-bodied red like a Merlot or a Pinot Noir, or a full-bodied white wine such as an oaked Chardonnay, would pair well with the savory flavors.

Quick Info:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
• Effort Level: Medium