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 bowl for a Sunday family dinner wanting something hearty yet easy to bring to the table. The combination of creamy potatoes savory pork tender green beans and rich gravy always brings everyone together.
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 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 tent with foil.
- Make the 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.
Save This meal has become a tradition on cool evenings when we gather around the table to share hearty plates and laughter.
Substitutions
If you prefer use bone-in pork chops or swap green beans for steamed broccoli or roasted carrots to suit your family's taste.
Tools Needed
You'll need a large pot colander potato masher or ricer large skillet whisk tongs and a steamer basket or sauté pan.
Nutrition
Each serving provides about 600 calories 32 g total fat 37 g carbohydrates and 41 g protein making it a satisfying balanced meal.
Save Enjoy this cozy bowl with your favorite wine for a truly comforting dinner. It's homemade happiness in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve juicy pork chops?
Season the pork chops simply with salt and pepper, then sear over medium-high heat 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 145°F internal temperature for juicy results.
- → What potatoes are best for creamy mash?
Yukon Gold potatoes provide a smooth texture and buttery flavor, ideal for creamy cheddar mashed potatoes.
- → How can I make the pan gravy gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour instead of regular all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy without gluten.
- → What alternatives can I use for green beans?
Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots make excellent substitutes for green beans while keeping the meal vibrant and nutritious.
- → How do I prevent mashed potatoes from becoming watery?
Drain potatoes well after boiling and mash while hot, adding butter, milk, and cheddar gradually until creamy but firm.