Pin It Juicy seared pork chops served atop creamy cheddar mashed potatoes finished with a savory pan gravy and crisp green beans for a comforting satisfying meal.
This recipe became a weeknight favorite in my family after a chilly fall evening when we craved something hearty and classic. The combination of tender pork and cheesy mash always makes everyone happy at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Pork Chops: 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick) 1 tsp kosher salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp unsalted butter 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)
- Cheddar Mashed Potatoes: 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cubed) 1 tsp salt 4 tbsp unsalted butter ½ cup whole milk (more as needed) 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) ¼ tsp ground white pepper
- Pan Gravy: 2 tbsp pan drippings (from pork chops) 2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (use gluten free flour for GF option) 1½ cups low sodium chicken broth ½ tsp Dijon mustard Salt & pepper to taste
- Green Beans: 12 oz fresh green beans (trimmed) 1 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes:
- Place potatoes in a large pot cover with cold water and add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender 1518 minutes. Drain return to pot and mash with butter milk cheddar and white pepper until smooth and creamy. Keep warm.
- Cook the pork chops:
- While potatoes cook heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Sear chops 34 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through (145°F/63°C internal temp). Add thyme sprig for extra flavor if desired. Transfer chops to a plate tent with foil.
- Make the pan gravy:
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to skillet drippings then stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and Dijon. Simmer whisking constantly until thickened 35 minutes. Season to taste.
- Prepare green beans:
- While gravy simmers toss green beans with olive oil salt and pepper. Steam or sauté until bright green and crisp tender about 57 minutes.
- Assemble bowls:
- Spoon cheddar mashed potatoes into bowls. Top with a pork chop drizzle with pan gravy and serve green beans on the side.
Pin It Gathering the family around this bowl on chilly nights has become a tradition in our house. Watching the kids dig in makes all the effort worthwhile.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this meal with a crisp green salad or homemade applesauce for an extra cozy dinner. A glass of dry white wine like Chardonnay complements the flavors nicely.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains milk (cheese butter milk) and wheat (flour in gravy; use gluten free flour if needed). Mustard is present in the Dijon. Always check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately 600 calories 32 g total fat 37 g carbohydrates and 41 g protein.
Pin It Serve hot for maximum comfort. These bowls bring warmth and a little bit of celebration to any weeknight dinner.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I ensure pork chops stay juicy when searing?
Season chops and sear over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.
- → What potatoes work best for creamy mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes create a smooth and buttery mash that complements sharp cheddar well.
- → Can I make the pan gravy gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour when preparing the gravy.
- → How should green beans be cooked for the best texture?
Steam or sauté green beans until crisp-tender and bright green, about 5-7 minutes.
- → Is fresh thyme necessary for the pork chops?
Thyme adds subtle flavor but can be omitted or replaced with other herbs according to taste.