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 hearty pork chops & cheddar mash bowl for a Sunday dinner when the weather turned cool. The creamy cheddar potatoes became an instant hit with my family, and the pan gravy adds just the right savory touch to pull everything 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 salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 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. 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 if desired, then transfer chops to a plate and tent with foil.
- Make the pan gravy:
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter to drippings, then stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and Dijon. Simmer, whisking, 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 mashed potatoes into bowls, top with a pork chop, drizzle with pan gravy, and serve green beans on the side.
Pin it My kids love helping mash the potatoes and everyone gathers at the table for this cozy meal. Passing the gravy boat around always feels a bit celebratory in our house.
Recipe Variations
Swap green beans with steamed broccoli or roasted carrots for a colorful twist. Sharp white cheddar can be used to change up the flavor profile in the mash.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this pork chops & cheddar mash bowl with a dry Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir for a satisfying dinner. A crisp apple cider also works wonderfully as a non-alcoholic option.
Allergen & Nutritional Info
This dish contains milk, wheat (unless gluten-free flour is used), and may contain mustard. Each serving provides about 600 calories, 32g fat, 37g carbohydrates, and 41g protein.
Pin it This pork chops & cheddar mash bowl is pure comfort and comes together easily. Enjoy every savory bite with your favorite company.
Common Questions
- → How do I ensure pork chops stay juicy when cooking?
Use a medium-high heat to sear the pork chops quickly, about 3-4 minutes per side, and avoid overcooking. Let them rest tented with foil to retain juices.
- → What type of potatoes work best for creamy mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for creamy mash due to their buttery texture and natural sweetness.
- → Can I make the pan gravy gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour option when making the gravy to accommodate dietary needs.
- → How do I keep green beans crisp and vibrant?
Steam or sauté green beans just until crisp-tender, around 5-7 minutes, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- → What can I substitute for cheddar in the mashed potatoes?
Sharp white cheddar or similar aged cheeses can be used for a slightly different flavor while maintaining creaminess.