Experience the perfect harmony of flavor and convenience with our Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole — a truly satisfying one-pan meal featuring perfectly seasoned pork chops baked right on top of a luscious, cheesy hash brown base! This dish is destined to become a new favorite in your home.
The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Meal: Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole
In the bustling world of home cooking, there’s nothing quite as appealing as a delicious meal that comes together effortlessly in a single dish. The sheer joy of preparing a complete, flavorful dinner without juggling multiple pots, pans, and countless side dishes is a true game-changer for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike. That’s precisely what our Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole offers – a wholesome, satisfying meal that bakes to perfection in just one pan, eliminating the usual stress of meal planning and the dreaded mountain of dirty dishes afterwards.
This casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver for anyone who loves hearty, comforting food but prefers a straightforward cooking process. Imagine tender, juicy pork chops, seared to a beautiful golden brown and then slow-baked to succulent perfection, nestled on a bed of creamy, savory hash browns. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and rich, savory flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s the kind of home-cooked goodness that warms the soul and simplifies your kitchen routine, making it an instant family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Why This Pork Chop and Hash Brown Casserole is a Must-Try Family Dinner
Beyond the undeniable convenience of a one-pan meal, this Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole stands out for its incredible flavor profile, satisfying nature, and ease of preparation. The combination of crispy-edged, tender pork and creamy, savory hash browns creates a balance of taste and texture that’s hard to beat. The secret to its success lies in a few key elements that elevate it from a simple meal to a memorable dining experience:
- Perfectly Seared Pork Chops: A quick pan-sear before baking is a critical step that locks in moisture and develops a delicious, caramelized crust. This ensures the pork chops remain incredibly tender and juicy, infusing the entire casserole with their rich flavor as they finish cooking in the oven.
- Rich & Creamy Hash Brown Base: Our hearty base is made with thawed shredded hash browns, combined with a luxurious and savory mixture of sour cream, cream of celery (or cream of chicken) soup, milk, and finely chopped onion. This creates an unbelievably creamy, flavorful foundation that bakes up golden, bubbly, and utterly comforting.
- Melted Cheddar Goodness: A generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese blankets the hash browns, melting into a gooey, irresistible topping. This adds a layer of sharp, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the savory pork and creamy potatoes, creating that classic comfort food appeal.
- Effortless Meal Planning: With your main protein and a satisfying potato side dish all baking in one single pan, you spend significantly less time deliberating over what to serve and more quality time enjoying your meal with loved ones. It’s the ultimate solution for a delicious, low-stress dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole
While bone-in pork chops are highly recommended for this recipe due to their superior flavor and ability to withstand longer cooking times without drying out, you can use boneless pork chops as an alternative. If opting for boneless, ensure they are thick-cut (at least 1-inch thick) to help them remain moist and tender. Thinner boneless chops may cook too quickly and become overcooked and rubbery during the combined searing and baking process. For the absolute best results, maximum juiciness, and richest flavor, we strongly suggest sticking with bone-in, center-cut chops.
This casserole truly is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, offering both a hearty protein and a delicious potato side dish. However, if you wish to add a fresh element or more vegetables, consider simple options that complement its richness. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast. For a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully, our Maple Glazed Carrots are a delightful choice. And if you’re looking for an extra comforting bread to sop up the delicious sauce, our 2-Ingredient Cream Biscuits are incredibly easy and always a hit!
Absolutely, do not skip this crucial browning step! Searing the pork chops before they go into the oven is essential for two main reasons. First, it creates a rich, caramelized crust on the outside of the meat, which significantly enhances their flavor, adding wonderful depth and savory complexity to the entire casserole. Second, it gives the pork chops a beautiful golden-brown color, making the finished dish much more visually appealing. Just be careful not to brown them for too long at this stage – we’re looking for a good sear and color, not fully cooked chops, as they will finish cooking to perfection in the oven alongside the hash browns. Overcooking them during the browning process could lead to dry, tough, or rubbery pork chops in the final dish.
Yes, this casserole is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meal prep! To prepare ahead, follow the instructions to brown the pork chops and prepare the hash brown mixture. Assemble the entire casserole in the baking dish, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the overall baking time to ensure it heats through evenly, as it will be baking from a chilled state. Alternatively, you can let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to reduce the oven time slightly.
Leftovers of this delicious casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you have a couple of options. For individual servings, the microwave works well – heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. For larger portions, cover the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which typically takes about 20-30 minutes. Adding a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating can help keep the hash browns moist and prevent them from drying out.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole
Creating this delectable and comforting casserole starts with gathering a few simple yet powerful ingredients. While the full recipe with precise measurements is provided in the recipe card below, here’s a detailed overview of what you’ll need and why each component is vital for creating this amazing dish:
- Oil: Used for browning the pork chops. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or light olive oil are all excellent choices for searing and adding initial flavor to the meat.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder): These are your primary flavor enhancers for the pork chops. Don’t be shy with your seasoning; a generous application will ensure the pork is flavorful and complements the creamy hash browns. You can also add a pinch of paprika for extra color.
- Bone-in Center Thick Cut Pork Chops: The star of the show! These chops are key for both juiciness and a rich flavor. Look for chops that are at least 1-inch thick, as their robust size holds up well to both searing and the longer baking time.
- Sour Cream: Contributes a wonderful tanginess and a velvety-smooth, creamy texture to the hash brown mixture. Full-fat sour cream is highly recommended for the richest and most decadent results.
- Cream of Celery (or Cream of Chicken) Soup: This classic casserole binder is essential for creating the creamy, cohesive hash brown base and adding a deep, savory umami flavor. Choose cream of celery for a slightly milder, herbaceous note, or cream of chicken for a more traditional, rich casserole taste.
- Milk: Helps to thin out the creamy soup and sour cream mixture to the perfect pourable consistency, ensuring it evenly coats the hash browns without being too thick or too thin. Any type of milk (whole, 2%, or skim) will work effectively.
- Shredded Hash Browns: Frozen, shredded hash browns are the convenient and hearty foundation of this casserole. It is absolutely crucial to thaw them completely before mixing to prevent excess moisture from making your finished casserole watery or soggy.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a subtle aromatic sweetness and a depth of savory flavor to the hash brown mixture, enhancing its overall complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The quintessential cheese for casseroles, shredded cheddar melts beautifully to create that irresistible, gooey, and sharp cheesy goodness. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby-Jack, or even a mild Gruyere for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Baked Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole
Creating this satisfying one-pan meal is remarkably simpler than you might imagine. Follow these detailed and easy-to-understand steps to bring this comforting Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole to your dinner table with minimal fuss:
Preparation and Pork Chop Searing Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Skillet: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Simultaneously, place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (a cast iron skillet works exceptionally well here) over high heat on your stovetop. Once the skillet is hot, carefully pour in about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
- Season the Pork Chops: Generously season both sides of your bone-in, thick-cut pork chops with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it forms a flavorful crust and ensures the pork is delicious in every bite.
- Brown the Pork Chops: Once your skillet is nice and hot (you might see a slight shimmer or even a wisp of smoke), carefully add the seasoned pork chops. You will likely need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and cause the pork to steam rather than sear. Brown the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful, deep golden-brown crust. Remember, the goal here is to build flavor and color, not to cook the pork chops all the way through, as they will finish cooking in the oven. If the pan appears dry between batches, add a little more oil as needed. Once browned, set the pork chops aside on a clean plate.
Assembling the Creamy Hash Brown Casserole Base
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, your chosen can of cream of celery or cream of chicken soup, and milk. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps from the soup.
- Add Hash Browns and Onion: Gently stir the thawed shredded hash browns and the finely chopped onion into the creamy mixture. Fold everything together carefully until the hash browns and onion are evenly coated. Ensure your hash browns are thoroughly thawed and, if they seem excessively wet, you can gently squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to prevent a watery casserole.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the prepared hash brown mixture evenly into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Ensure it forms a consistent layer. Then, generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface of the hash browns, creating a delicious cheesy blanket.
Baking and Serving Instructions
- Top with Pork Chops: Carefully arrange the previously browned pork chops on top of the cheesy hash brown mixture. Distribute them evenly over the surface of the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. The casserole is ready when the hash browns are bubbly, golden brown, and the pork chops are fully cooked through. To ensure the pork chops are done, their internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. If you notice the top of the casserole or the pork chops starting to brown too quickly before the dish is heated through, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
- Serve Warm: Once the casserole is thoroughly cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Then, scoop out generous portions and savor your delicious, homemade one-pan masterpiece!
Tips for a Perfect Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole Every Time
Achieving casserole perfection is easy with a few insider tips. Keep these pointers in mind for a consistently delicious Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole:
- Thaw Hash Browns Completely: This step cannot be stressed enough! Frozen hash browns contain a significant amount of ice and moisture. If added directly to the casserole, they will release all that water during baking, resulting in a watery, soggy casserole. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet at room temperature for an hour or two. You can even gently press them with a paper towel to remove any excess surface moisture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet While Browning: When searing your pork chops, ensure there’s enough space around each piece in the skillet. Overcrowding lowers the skillet’s temperature, causing the meat to steam rather than sear and preventing that beautiful, flavorful crust from forming. Work in batches if necessary to achieve the best sear.
- Opt for Bone-In, Thick-Cut Chops: While boneless options can work in a pinch, bone-in pork chops impart more flavor to the dish and are far less prone to drying out during the extended baking process. Thick-cut chops (at least 1-inch thick) ensure they remain wonderfully juicy and tender after both searing and baking.
- Season Generously: Pork can sometimes be bland if not seasoned adequately. Be bold with the salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides of your pork chops. Proper seasoning at this stage is crucial for the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Adjust Cream Soup Flavor: Cream of celery soup provides a distinct, slightly milder, and herbaceous flavor to the hash brown mixture. If you prefer a richer, more classic, and deeply savory casserole taste, cream of chicken soup is an excellent and popular alternative that works equally well.
- Prevent Excessive Browning: Keep an eye on your casserole during the baking process. If the top of the hash browns or the pork chops start to get too dark or burn before the casserole is fully heated through and cooked, simply loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will protect the top while allowing the rest of the dish to finish cooking.
Variations and Customizations for Your Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole
While this Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole recipe is absolutely fantastic as written, it’s also incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and color by stirring in a cup of frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers into the hash brown mixture. Sautéed sliced mushrooms, spinach, or even broccoli florets would also be delicious additions. Just ensure any fresh vegetables are lightly cooked before adding to the mix.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the hash brown mixture or a dash of cayenne pepper to the pork chop seasoning. A few drops of hot sauce mixed into the creamy base can also add a subtle kick.
- Experiment with Different Cheeses: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to explore! Colby-Jack, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, provolone, or even a sharp white cheddar would all work wonderfully and offer different flavor profiles. A blend of cheeses can also add complexity.
- Herbaceous Boost: Incorporate fresh herbs for an aromatic lift. Stir chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thyme into the hash brown mixture, or sprinkle them over the top just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra layer of crunchy texture, mix some crushed Ritz crackers, Panko breadcrumbs, or cornflakes with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of baking for a golden, irresistible crunch.
- Swap the Protein: While it’s a pork chop casserole, a similar concept could work with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even thick slices of cooked ham for a different take on the dish. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Craving More Comforting Recipes from The Country Cook?
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of this one-pan Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole, you’ll surely enjoy these other delightful and easy-to-make recipes designed to bring comfort and flavor to your table:
- Ritz Cracker Pork Chops
- Cowboy Hash Brown Skillet
- Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
- Texas Breakfast Hash Brown Casserole
- Old School Hamburger Hash
- Chicken Hash Brown Casserole
- Breakfast Hash Brown Casserole
Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole: Full Recipe
Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole is a simple, incredibly delicious one-pan meal featuring perfectly seasoned pork chops baked right on top of a creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a hearty and satisfying family dinner with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil (e.g., vegetable, canola, or light olive oil)
- 4 bone-in, center thick-cut pork chops (approximately 1-inch thick)
- Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder (equal amounts of each, seasoned to taste)
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended for best creaminess)
- 10.75 ounce can cream of celery soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- ½ cup milk (any fat percentage)
- 32 ounce package frozen shredded hash browns, completely thawed
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a large skillet over high heat on your stovetop. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
- Generously season both sides of the pork chops with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Once the skillet is smoking hot, carefully add the seasoned pork chops. Brown them on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side until a rich golden crust forms. Do this in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Ensure the pork chops are not cooked all the way through, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Set the browned pork chops aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of celery (or chicken) soup, and milk. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Stir the completely thawed shredded hash browns and the chopped onion into the creamy mixture. Fold gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the hash browns.
- Carefully arrange the browned pork chops on top of the cheesy hash brown mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the hash browns are bubbly, golden-brown, and the pork chops are fully cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C). If the casserole top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set for easier serving.
Recipe Video
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)
Calories: 507kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 35g | Sodium: 578mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g
(Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.)
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a registered dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared here is an estimate calculated using online tools. If precise calorie counts and other nutritional values are important to you or for specific dietary needs, we strongly recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Please note that actual calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on the specific brands, types, and amounts of ingredients used in your preparation.
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Originally published: August 2011
Updated & republished: June 2021