“Tonight will be my 4th time making this! Super easy—and my family loves it. Gravy is to die for!”
If a dish makes you hit repeat every week, it’s not just good—it’s legendary. That’s exactly the spot this dish has earned in my home. This isn’t some elaborate holiday centerpiece—it’s an effortless, satisfying, comforting meal that every family member—kids, picky eaters, and even my gravy-snob uncle—loves.
Allow me to introduce you to One-Pan Pork Chops with Garlic Gravy & Mushrooms—a family-friendly dinner champion that’s as simple as sear, bake, and pour, and the gravy will haunt your dreams.
What Makes This Dish So Addictive?
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One-pan simplicity—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
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Juicy pork chops—seared beautifully, then finished in the oven for tenderness
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Garlic-mushroom gravy—rich, silky, umami-packed, and irresistibly savory
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Versatile—serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or crusty bread
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Apparently gravy’s the real MVP! One taste, and it's clear: "Gravy is to die for!"
Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves ~4)
Main:
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4 bone-in pork chops (¾–1" thick; choices like center-cut or rib chops work great)
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Salt and freshly ground pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for seasoning)
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2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
Gravy:
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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8 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1½ cups chicken or pork broth (preferably low sodium)
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½ cup whole milk or half-and-half
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
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Pinch of dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Sides:
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4 cups mashed potatoes or cooked egg noodles
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A green vegetable like roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli, or green beans
What Tools You’ll Need
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An oven and ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven (around 10–12 inches)
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Tongs or spatula
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Measuring spoons/cups
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Wooden spoon or whisk
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Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pork Chops
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Pat chops dry with paper towels, then generously salt, pepper, and lightly dust with garlic powder.
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Pro tip: Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking—they’ll sear better.
Step 2: Sear the Chops
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Heat ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil.
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When the oil is shimmering hot, add pork chops. Sear without moving for 3–4 minutes. Flip and sear the other side until golden brown, 3 more minutes.
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Remove chops and set aside. The delicious brown bits (fond) in the pan are gravy gold.
Step 3: Cook Mushrooms & Garlic
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Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan.
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Toss in sliced mushrooms; sauté until golden and moisture evaporates—about 4–6 minutes.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
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Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir for 1 minute—this is your roux base for gravy.
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Gradually whisk in broth, scraping up those fond bits. Then stir in milk (or half‑and‑half).
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Add Dijon mustard and thyme if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Cook until gravy thickens to a smooth, pourable consistency (about 3–5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper after tasting.
Step 5: Bake the Chops
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Nestle seared chops into the skillet and spoon gravy over the top.
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Transfer skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake 8–10 minutes, or until pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
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Remove skillet from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Chop is juicy; gravy is dreamy.
Step 6: Serve and Devour
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Serve chops with generous ladles of gravy.
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Pair with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up every drop.
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Add roasted or steamed veggies for the perfect dinner plate balance.
Why You’ll Be Making This Again Tonight
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Ridiculously easy while tasting indulgent
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One-pan cleanup—hello, easy weeknight dinners
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Family-tested: kids, adults, even picky eaters love the flavors
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Scalable and flexible—great for larger crowds or lighter meals
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Leftovers = gravy gold—use for pork over eggs, rice, biscuits, or as a quick comfort bowl
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
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Make-ahead: Pre-sear chops, store in fridge up to a day, then just reheat with gravy.
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Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of broth if sauce thickens too much.
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Freezer-friendly: Store separately—thawed gravy mixes into freshly re-heated pork just as beautifully.
Variations to Try
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All-pork herby twist: Add fresh sage or rosemary to the gravy.
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Cheesy upgrade: Stir in shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese until melted.
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Briny bonus: Add a splash of white wine after mushrooms, cooking off alcohol before adding liquid.
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Earthy vibe: Swap cremini for wild mushrooms or include sautéed onions.
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Pan sauce makeover: Dash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce added to gravy brings complexity.
A Few Honest Reviews
“I literally made this four nights in a row because my kids wouldn’t stop asking.”
“The gravy is genuinely to die for. I catch myself licking the spoon.”
“It’s just one pan, and it tastes like a million dollars.”
FAQ: Quick Answers
What if I don’t have an ovenproof pan?
Sear chops, transfer to baking dish, and make gravy in the skillet—then pour over and bake.
What’s a good gravy consistency?
Should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pour freely.
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely—this works beautifully with chicken thighs, pork tenderloin medallions, or even firm fish steaks.
No time to brown chops?
Skip searing—just bake with gravy—but searing adds so much flavor you’ll want to try it when you can.
Final Reflections
This One-Pan Pork Chops with Garlic Mushroom Gravy may seem modest, but it strikes a real chord—incredibly easy, unpretentious, and soulfully delicious. Four nights down, and I’m not even sorry. This dish has earned its place in your dinner rotation… and maybe, in your dreams.
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