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 remember serving this Pork Chops & Cheddar Mash Bowl for a weeknight family dinner. Everyone loved how the creamy potatoes paired perfectly with the savory pork and crisp green beans: it felt indulgent yet wholesome.
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
- Mashed Potatoes:
- Place potatoes in a large pot: cover with cold water and add salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender (15–18 min). Drain, return to pot, and mash with butter, milk, cheddar, and white pepper until smooth and creamy. Keep warm.
- Pork Chops:
- While potatoes cook, heat olive oil and butter in skillet over medium-high. Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Sear 3–4 min per side until golden and just cooked through (internal temp 145°F/63°C). Add thyme if desired. Transfer chops to plate; tent with foil.
- Pan Gravy:
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to skillet drippings, stir in flour, cook 1 min. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and Dijon. Simmer, whisking, until thickened (3–5 min). Season to taste.
- Green Beans:
- While gravy simmers, toss green beans with olive oil, salt, pepper. Steam or sauté until bright green and crisp-tender (5–7 min).
- Assemble Bowls:
- Spoon cheddar mashed potatoes into bowls. Top with a pork chop, drizzle with pan gravy, serve green beans on the side.
Save This meal is a staple for chilly evenings in my house. Everyone gathers quickly when they see the pork and mash steaming on the table: it always brings plenty of smiles and second helpings.
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) and wheat (flour in gravy: use GF flour if needed). May contain mustard (Dijon). Always check product labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 600 calories, 32 g total fat, 37 g carbohydrates, 41 g protein.
Save This Pork Chops & Cheddar Mash Bowl is true comfort food: satisfying, flavorful, and perfect to share any night of the week.
Kitchen Q&A
- → How do I ensure pork chops stay juicy?
Season chops well and sear over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side to lock in juices, avoiding overcooking.
- → What type of potatoes are best for mash?
Yukon Gold potatoes create a creamy, buttery mash with a naturally rich flavor perfect for cheddar blending.
- → Can I make the gravy gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour when preparing the pan gravy for a safe alternative.
- → How should green beans be cooked for best texture?
Steam or sauté until bright green and crisp-tender, usually 5-7 minutes, retaining freshness and slight crunch.
- → Is fresh thyme necessary for flavor?
Thyme adds a subtle herbal note to the pork chops but can be omitted if unavailable without sacrificing taste.