Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, juicy pork chops with crisp green beans and a creamy, cheesy sauce? Look no further! This American classic is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine a perfectly seared pork chop nestled on a bed of fresh green beans, smothered in a rich, golden cheese sauce that's guaranteed to make everyone at the table fall in love with dinner all over again!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 cups green beans
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or additional olive oil.
- Season the pork chops generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Pat the seasoning into the meat to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step helps lock in the meat's juices and adds depth of flavor.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined, creating a creamy sauce.
- Slice the onion into thin rings. Trim the green beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces if they are whole.
- Spread the green beans evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the sliced onions over the green beans.
- Place the seared pork chops on top of the green beans and onions. Pour the cream of mushroom and cheese mixture over the pork chops, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, creating a melty, golden cheese layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the dish easier to serve.
- Serve hot, ensuring each serving includes a pork chop, green beans, and plenty of the creamy sauce.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Choose thick-cut pork chops for the juiciest results. Look for chops that are about 1-inch thick to prevent drying out during baking.
- Searing Secret: Don't skip the searing step! This technique locks in flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust on your pork chops.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for the best melting and most flavorful results.
- Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked meat.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Customization Hack: Feel free to add garlic powder, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the seasoning for extra flavor depth.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender pork chops.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 540kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 80mg
