Here’s a cozy and satisfying recipe for a Spring Vegetable & Cheesy Pork Chop Casserole — tender pork chops, creamy cheese sauce, and fresh spring veggies all baked together into a bubbling, golden-topped meal. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but comforting like a Sunday dinner.
🧀🥩 Spring Vegetable & Cheesy Pork Chop Casserole
📝 Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
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4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Casserole Base:
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2 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered
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1 cup asparagus, trimmed and chopped
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1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup carrots, thinly sliced or diced
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½ small red onion, sliced (optional)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the Cheese Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp flour
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1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
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1 cup shredded cheddar or cheddar-jack
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½ cup Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)
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Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
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Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
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Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side until browned (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Stir in flour to make a roux; cook for 1 minute.
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Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened (3–5 minutes).
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Stir in cheeses, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat when melted and smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
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In the baking dish, combine potatoes, carrots, peas, asparagus, red onion, garlic powder, and thyme.
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Pour cheese sauce over the veggies and stir to coat evenly.
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Nestle the pork chops on top.
5. Bake:
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Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and pork chops reach 145°F (63°C) internally.
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Uncover and broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the top if desired.
✅ Serve With:
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A crisp green salad
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Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) sprinkled on top
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Extra grated cheese (because, why not?)
🔄 Variations:
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Add mushrooms or zucchini if you have them on hand.
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Use cream of mushroom soup for a shortcut sauce.
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Swap in chicken breasts or thighs if you don’t have pork chops.
Would you like a one-skillet stovetop version, slow cooker adaptation, or a low-carb twist with cauliflower instead of potatoes?