Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy

 

Few dishes say “comfort food” quite like Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the aroma of slow-cooked goodness — tender, juicy pork chops nestled in a rich, savory gravy, with perfectly cooked potatoes soaking up every flavorful drop. This dish is down-home comfort at its finest, bringing together the best of classic Southern cooking and hearty family fare.

A Comfort Food Favorite

Smothered pork chops have deep roots in Southern tradition — where “smothering” refers to cooking meat low and slow in a flavorful gravy until it’s tender enough to cut with a fork. It’s a humble technique that transforms simple ingredients into something soul-satisfying.

Groceries

Add creamy potatoes to the mix, and you’ve got a one-pan meal that’s rich, hearty, and irresistibly delicious. Whether it’s Sunday dinner or a weeknight craving, this dish brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite.

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Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy

Ingredients

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

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup milk or heavy cream

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon gold or russet work best)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional)

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Season the pork chops:
   Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Brown the pork chops:
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the onions and garlic:
   In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Make the gravy:
   

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   Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to coat. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then milk or cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and thyme.

5. Add potatoes and pork chops:
   Layer the sliced potatoes in the skillet, then nestle the browned pork chops on top. Spoon some gravy over everything.

6. Simmer or bake:

   • Stovetop: Cover and simmer on low heat for 30–40 minutes, until potatoes are tender and pork chops are cooked through.

   • Oven: Alternatively, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

7. Serve:
   Spoon gravy over the top and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with a side of green beans, peas, or cornbread.

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

• 🥘 One-Pan Wonder: Pork, potatoes, and gravy all cook together for easy prep and cleanup.

• 🍴 Comforting & Filling: The creamy gravy and tender meat make every bite rich and satisfying.

• ❤️ Family Favorite: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy Sunday meals.

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Tips for Perfect Smothered Pork Chops

• Use bone-in chops for extra flavor and tenderness.

• Don’t rush the browning step — that golden crust adds depth to the gravy.

• For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream and swap butter for olive oil.

• Add mushrooms for an earthy twist or carrots for a hint of sweetness.

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Serving Ideas

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like:

• Steamed green beans or collard greens

• Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread

• A crisp green salad for balance

And don’t forget to ladle extra gravy over everything — it’s too good to waste!

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Final Thoughts

Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy is the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate — rustic, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can create a home-cooked masterpiece that brings everyone to the table.

Whether you grew up with Southern-style smothered dishes or are discovering them for the first time, this recipe is bound to become a new family favorite.