Pork Chop Casserole

6 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 2 h Total: 2 h 15 m Beginner
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This tomato-based pork chop casserole layers tender pork chops with sliced potatoes and onion rings, then slow-bakes them in a rich tomato soup and sauce mixture. It’s an easy one-pan comfort dish that fills the house with the smell of home cooking.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 3 cups sliced potatoes
  • 6 pork chops
  • 1 can tomato soup
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 large onion sliced in rings
  • salt and pepper to taste or any Cajun spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray Pam or rub oil in the bottom of a 10x13 casserole dish.
  2. Season the chops to your liking and place them in the bottom of the pan. Top with onion rings then with the sliced potatoes arranging layers of the two.
  3. Season the layers with salt and pepper or your favorite spices. Pour the tomato soup and tomato sauce over the entire casserole evenly. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for two hours until pork chops are tender and potatoes are cooked through.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my pork chops tough?

A: Make sure you're baking the full two hours covered with foil so the chops have time to become tender. Thicker chops may need a bit more time. The moisture from the tomato sauce and covered pan helps keep them from drying out.

Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops?

A: Absolutely! Bone-in chops add more flavor. Just make sure they fit in your pan and you may need to add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

Tips and Techniques

Slice your potatoes about 1/4-inch thick so they cook through in the two-hour baking time. Too thick and they’ll be underdone; too thin and they’ll get mushy. You can prep this casserole in the morning and refrigerate it, then pop it in the oven when you get home—just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • pork chops: boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
  • tomato soup: additional tomato sauce plus 1/4 cup water
  • sliced potatoes: thinly sliced sweet potatoes

Equipment Needed

  • 10x13 casserole dish
  • aluminum foil
  • knife for slicing

Historical Context

Layered casseroles like this became popular in the mid-20th century South when one-dish meals meant less cleanup and more time with family. The combination of affordable pork chops and pantry staples made it a weeknight favorite.