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.
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
- Step 1:
- 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.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- For 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.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- Assemble bowls: Spoon cheddar mashed potatoes into bowls. Top with a pork chop, drizzle with pan gravy, and serve green beans on the side.
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Pin It Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve juicy pork chops?
Season chops with salt and pepper, then sear over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for optimal juiciness.
- → What makes the mashed potatoes creamy?
Using Yukon Gold potatoes mashed with butter, whole milk, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese creates a smooth and rich texture.
- → Can I make the pan gravy gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour when preparing the gravy to maintain thickness and flavor.
- → How should I cook the green beans for best texture?
Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then steam or sauté until crisp-tender, about 5–7 minutes, preserving color and crunch.
- → What alternatives can I use for green beans?
Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots work well as substitutes, offering complementary flavors and textures.