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 first made this pork chops & cheddar mash bowl for a cozy Sunday dinner after a chilly autumn hike. The savory gravy and cheesy potatoes made everyone feel extra special, and it quickly became a requested favorite at our house.
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.
- Cook 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 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 mustard. 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 dish brings back memories of family dinners, with everyone gathering around the table to enjoy comforting flavors and lots of laughter—it truly turns any evening into something memorable.
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; use GF flour if needed). May contain: Mustard (in 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 Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color. Enjoy this bowl for a heartwarming main dish any night of the week!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I ensure pork chops stay juicy while cooking?
Season chops well and sear over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, avoiding overcooking to maintain juiciness.
- → What potatoes work best for creamy mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and natural buttery flavor when mashed.
- → Can the pan gravy be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to keep the gravy thick and flavorful.
- → What’s the best way to cook green beans for crisp-tender results?
Steam or sauté green beans until bright green and just tender, about 5-7 minutes, to retain a fresh crunch.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the pork chops?
Adding a sprig of fresh thyme during cooking imparts a subtle aromatic element to the chops.
- → What are suitable side vegetables if I don’t want green beans?
Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots make excellent alternatives and complement the creamy mash nicely.