Save 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 first made this pork chops & cheddar mash bowl on a chilly evening when my family was craving something hearty yet a little special. The blend of flavors from the creamy potatoes and savory gravy always brings rave reviews in our home.
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 the 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 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through (145°F/63°C internal temp). Add thyme sprig if desired. Transfer chops to a plate and tent with foil.
- Make the pan gravy:
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to skillet drippings, then add flour and cook 1 minute. Whisk in chicken broth and Dijon. Simmer, whisking, until thickened (3–5 minutes). Season to taste.
- Cook 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 each with a pork chop, drizzle with pan gravy, and serve green beans on the side.
Save This meal is a favorite Sunday supper for my family. We love gathering around the table to dig in while sharing stories from our week.
Swaps & Variations
Try swapping green beans for steamed broccoli or roasted carrots to keep things interesting. You can also make this with bone-in pork chops or swap in chicken breast for a different spin.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
This dish contains milk (cheese, butter, milk) and wheat (in the gravy, unless gluten-free flour is used). Each serving has about 600 calories, 32 g fat, 37 g carbohydrates, and 41 g protein.
What to Serve With
Pair with a crisp green salad or fresh-baked dinner rolls for a classic comfort meal experience. For drinks, try a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.
Save This pork chops & cheddar mash bowl is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Kitchen Guide
- → How do you get the pork chops juicy and tender?
Season pork chops with salt and pepper, then sear in olive oil and butter over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Resting them under foil retains juiciness.
- → What makes the mashed potatoes creamy and flavorful?
Using Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, milk, sharp cheddar, and a touch of white pepper creates a smooth, rich mash with a sharp cheesy note.
- → How is the pan gravy prepared for maximum flavor?
After cooking pork chops, the drippings are mixed with butter and flour, then whisked with chicken broth and Dijon mustard, simmered until thickened for a savory finish.
- → What’s the best way to cook green beans for this dish?
Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then steam or sauté until bright green and crisp-tender, preserving their fresh flavor and texture.
- → Can this dish be adapted for gluten-free diets?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour in the pan gravy to maintain thickness without gluten.