Smothered Pork Chops 

Smothered Pork Chops 🥩🍲

Tender, juicy pork chops smothered in a rich, savory onion and mushroom gravy—comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (¾ to 1-inch thick)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)

For the Gravy:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for deeper flavor)

• ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk for lighter gravy)

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season & Sear the Pork Chops:

   • Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

   • Heat oil in a large skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat.

   • Sear chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

2. Make the Gravy:

   • In the same skillet, add onions and mushrooms (if using). Cook for 5 minutes until softened.

   • Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.

   • Slowly pour in broth while scraping up browned bits. Stir in cream, Worcestershire, thyme, and bay leaf.

3. Simmer & Smother:

   • Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.

   • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until pork is tender (internal temp: 145°F/63°C).

4. Serve:

   • Discard bay leaf. Spoon gravy over chops and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

Tips

• Extra Tender? Braise for longer (30+ mins) on low heat.

• No Cream? Use all broth and a splash of milk.

• Crockpot Version: Sear chops, then cook on Low for 6-7 hours in gravy.

Hearty, flavorful, and perfect for Sunday dinner! 😋🍽️