Pork Chop Casserole

Pork Chop Casserole – Weeknight Dinner for Family

Pork Chop Casserole

Pork chop casserole is a classic comfort dish that brings together tender, juicy pork chops and savory stuffing in a baked, creamy casserole. This meal is loved because it combines hearty flavors with simple preparation, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners, Sunday family meals, or cozy winter suppers. The pork absorbs rich flavors from the stuffing and sauce, while the casserole itself develops a golden, slightly crisp top that contrasts beautifully with the soft, flavorful interior.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. It can be prepared in a traditional oven or a slow cooker, paired with a variety of vegetables, and adapted to suit family preferences. Fans of pork chops and stuffing casserole love that it elevates the simple pork chop into a comforting, satisfying dinner without requiring hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender meat, seasoned stuffing, and creamy sauce ensures that every bite is flavorful, comforting, and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pork chop casserole stands out for multiple reasons:

  • Simplicity meets flavor: With minimal preparation, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s from a gourmet kitchen. The casserole layers ingredients for maximum flavor impact.
  • Tender, juicy pork chops: Baking them within the casserole ensures they remain moist while soaking up the flavors of the stuffing and seasonings.
  • Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, this dish is perfect for comfy dinner ideas or a satisfying Sunday meal.
  • Versatility: It works as a baked dish, a slow-cooked crockpot meal, or even a make-ahead dinner ready to bake when needed.
  • One-dish convenience: With meat, stuffing, and creamy sauce all in one pan, cleanup is minimal, making it ideal for busy nights.

By combining flavor, texture, and convenience, this recipe turns a simple rib chops recipe pork into a family favorite suitable for any occasion.

Pork Chop Casserole

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6

This timing assumes pork chops are trimmed and ready for cooking and that you are using pre-prepared stuffing or breadcrumbs for convenience.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (1-inch thick)
  • 1 box (6 oz) seasoned stuffing mix or 2 cups homemade stuffing
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)

Substitution Notes:

  • Cream of mushroom soup: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor.
  • Milk: Dairy-free milk or half-and-half can be used for richer flavor.
  • Pork chops: Boneless chops or rib chops can be substituted.
  • Cheese: Optional, but adds a golden crust and extra flavor.
Pork Chop Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

casserole vector 2

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Proper preheating ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

casserole vector 2

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix with melted butter, chopped onion, celery, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add milk and stir to moisten the mixture. This is the base layer that will impart flavor and moisture to your pork chops.

casserole vector 2

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Spread half of the prepared stuffing in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Arrange pork chops on top of the stuffing in a single layer, then cover with the remaining stuffing. For a creamier casserole, mix the condensed soup with 1/4 cup milk and pour evenly over the pork chops and stuffing.

casserole vector 2

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top if desired, and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the stuffing is golden brown.

casserole vector 2

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring tender pork chops and a cohesive casserole.

How to Serve

Serve your pork chop casserole straight from the baking dish for casual family meals or transfer to a serving platter for a more elegant presentation. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced dinner. Drizzle pan juices or gravy over the pork chops for extra moisture and flavor.

For a complete comfort meal, serve alongside warm rolls or biscuits. The combination of creamy casserole, hearty pork, and flavorful stuffing makes this dish a true tasty supper idea for any night of the week.

Pork Chop Casserole

Additional Tips

  • Use bone-in pork chops for more flavor; boneless chops cook slightly faster.
  • Avoid overbaking to prevent the pork from drying out.
  • Use day-old or slightly stale bread if making homemade stuffing for better texture.
  • Cover with foil during most of the baking to retain moisture and remove it near the end for a golden top.
  • Add herbs like rosemary or sage to the stuffing for a fragrant variation.

Recipe Variations

  • Crockpot Pork Chop Stuffing Casserole
    Layer pork chops, stuffing, and soup mixture in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This variation is perfect for hands-off cooking and ideal for busy weekdays or meal prep.
  • Cheesy Pork Chop Casserole
    Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses on top of the casserole before baking. The cheese melts to form a golden, bubbly crust that adds richness and a comforting flavor to the classic dish.
  • Vegetable-Enhanced Pork Chop Casserole
    Fold in vegetables like carrots, green beans, peas, or mushrooms into the stuffing layer. This adds color, nutrition, and texture, making the casserole a more complete and wholesome meal for family dinners.
  • Apple and Sage Pork Chop Casserole
    Incorporate diced apples and fresh sage into the stuffing. The natural sweetness of apples balances the savory pork and stuffing, creating a flavorful, autumn-inspired variation that works beautifully for cozy dinners.
  • Creamy Mushroom Pork Chop Casserole
    Sauté fresh mushrooms before adding them to the stuffing and pour cream of mushroom soup over the top. This version intensifies the earthy flavors and creates a richer, more luxurious casserole that’s perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
  • Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chop Casserole
    Wrap each pork chop with a slice of bacon before layering it in the casserole. The bacon adds smoky flavor and extra juiciness, enhancing the overall taste and making the dish extra indulgent.
  • Herbed Garlic Pork Chop Casserole
    Mix minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the stuffing and sprinkle over the pork chops. This variation adds aromatic flavors that complement the pork while keeping the dish simple and approachable.
  • Potato-Topped Pork Chop Casserole
    Layer thinly sliced potatoes on top of the stuffing before baking. The potatoes cook alongside the casserole, adding a hearty topping that makes the dish even more filling and satisfying for a main course.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate; bake when ready for an easy dinner solution.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg

Values may vary depending on pork chop size, stuffing brand, and additional ingredients.

Final Words

Making pork chop casserole at home allows you to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal without complicated preparation. This dish combines tender pork chops, flavorful stuffing, and a creamy sauce in a single pan, making it perfect for comfy dinner ideas, pork chop lunch ideas, or supper ideas pork chops. Cooking it yourself ensures juicy, perfectly seasoned pork and a casserole packed with flavor that beats takeout every time.

This recipe is versatile enough to adapt to your family’s preferences, from oven-baked versions to slow-cooker preparations. Each variation teaches home cooks subtle techniques, like balancing moisture, layering flavors, and achieving a golden, crisp top. With this casserole, you’re not just making dinner you’re creating a warm, inviting meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to every table.

Preparing pork chop casserole encourages confidence in the kitchen, as it’s forgiving yet impressive. Once you master this recipe, it becomes a reliable weeknight or special occasion dish, giving you a flavorful and hearty meal that your family will request again and again. The combination of simplicity, taste, and presentation makes it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire.

FAQ’s

Yes, boneless pork chops work well, but adjust cooking time slightly as they cook faster than bone-in chops.

Absolutely. Layer pork chops, stuffing, and soup mixture in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Yes, assemble or bake the casserole, let cool, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Seasoned stuffing mixes or homemade stuffing with herbs and butter work beautifully.

Bake covered with foil for most of the cooking time and remove near the end for browning. This keeps the chops moist while allowing a golden top to form.

Pork Chop Casserole – Weeknight Dinner for Family

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Casserole Recipes
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

450

kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (1-inch thick)

  • 1 box (6 oz) seasoned stuffing mix or 2 cups homemade stuffing

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 1/4 cup melted butter

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Proper preheating ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix with melted butter, chopped onion, celery, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add milk and stir to moisten the mixture. This is the base layer that will impart flavor and moisture to your pork chops.
  • Spread half of the prepared stuffing in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Arrange pork chops on top of the stuffing in a single layer, then cover with the remaining stuffing. For a creamier casserole, mix the condensed soup with 1/4 cup milk and pour evenly over the pork chops and stuffing.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top if desired, and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the stuffing is golden brown.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring tender pork chops and a cohesive casserole.

Notes

  • Use bone-in pork chops for more flavor; boneless chops cook slightly faster.
  • Avoid overbaking to prevent the pork from drying out.
  • Use day-old or slightly stale bread if making homemade stuffing for better texture.
  • Cover with foil during most of the baking to retain moisture and remove it near the end for a golden top.
  • Add herbs like rosemary or sage to the stuffing for a fragrant variation.

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