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.
I still remember the first weekend I made this indulgent meal for my family. The aroma of pan-seared pork and cheesy mash filled the kitchen, and everyone gathered around, eager for their bowls. The creamy potatoes with sharp cheddar elevated this simple dinner to something memorable.
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, 15–18 minutes. Drain, return to pot, and mash with butter, milk, cheddar, and white pepper until smooth and creamy. Keep warm.
- Sear 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 3–4 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 and tent with foil.
- Make 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, 3–5 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 5–7 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 This pork chops bowl is a top request at our family table, especially when everyone wants a cozy supper after a busy week. Even picky eaters dig into the cheesy mash and flavorful gravy without hesitation!
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, potato masher or ricer, large skillet, whisk, tongs, steamer basket or sauté pan
Allergen Information
Contains: milk (cheese, butter, milk), wheat (flour in gravy if not using GF flour), may contain: mustard (Dijon). Always check product labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 600, total fat: 32 g, carbohydrates: 37 g, protein: 41 g
Pin it A sprinkle of fresh herbs and a generous spoonful of gravy provide the perfect finishing touch. This bowl is sure to bring smiles to anyone around your table!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you achieve juicy pork chops?
Season chops with salt and pepper, then sear over medium-high heat 3–4 minutes per side until just cooked through, ensuring they remain juicy.
- → What cheese works best in the mashed potatoes?
Sharp cheddar cheese melts smoothly into Yukon Gold potatoes, providing creamy, tangy flavor that complements the pork.
- → How is the pan gravy made?
Pan gravy is crafted by cooking butter and flour in the pork drippings, then gradually whisking in chicken broth and Dijon mustard to thicken and boost flavor.
- → Can the green beans be prepared differently?
Yes, green beans can be steamed or sautéed with olive oil, salt, and pepper until crisp-tender, offering a vibrant, fresh texture.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this dish?
Using gluten-free flour in the pan gravy makes the dish suitable for gluten-free diets without altering flavor.