Smothered beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole

A hearty and comforting dish, Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole combines tender beef chops with creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes. This casserole is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, delivering a filling and satisfying meal that’s both homestyle and sophisticated. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, it stands out as a favorite for all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: Enjoy a filling meal that warms the soul, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, this casserole is beginner-friendly.
• Flavorful Layers: The combination of seasoned beef chops and creamy cheese sauce creates a deliciously rich flavor profile.
• Versatile Dish: Great for weeknight dinners or special gatherings; it’s sure to impress your guests.
• Leftover Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole, you will need a few essential tools to ensure everything comes together smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for browning the beef chops evenly while developing flavor.
• Baking dish: A good quality dish ensures even cooking and easy serving.
• Whisk: Helps to create a smooth cheese sauce without lumps.
• Knife: Necessary for slicing vegetables and meat finely for even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Beef Chops

• 6 boneless beef chops
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Scalloped Potatoes

• 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
• 1 small onion thinly sliced

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp butter

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

How to Make Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly once assembled.

Step 2: Season the Beef Chops

Season the beef chops with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure each chop is evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Beef Chops

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
* Brown the beef chops for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden.
* Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Onions

In the same skillet, melt the butter.
* Add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions.
* Stir continuously until lightly browned and well incorporated, about 2 minutes.
* Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Continue whisking until thickened, around 5 minutes.
* Stir in dried thyme, paprika, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a large baking dish.
* Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom, slightly overlapping them.
* Pour half of the cheese sauce over this layer.
* Place browned beef chops over these potatoes followed by another layer of remaining potatoes.

Step 7: Add Final Toppings

Pour remaining cheese sauce over everything.
* Sprinkle with remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake Your Casserole

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.

Step 9: Serve

Allow casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole!

How to Serve Smothered beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole

This delicious casserole is perfect for gatherings or family dinners. It can be served as a standalone dish or paired with complementary sides to enhance the meal.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness and balances the richness of the casserole.

Include Bread Rolls

• Warm, buttery bread rolls are ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce and add a comforting touch to the meal.

Serve with Steamed Vegetables

• Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide a pop of color and nutrients, creating a well-rounded plate.

Offer Pickled Vegetables

• Tangy pickled vegetables can cut through the richness of the casserole, offering a delightful contrast in flavors.

Accompany with Applesauce

• A small serving of applesauce brings a sweet note that complements the savory beef and cheesy potatoes.

How to Perfect Smothered beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole

To ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips for optimal flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh potatoes and quality beef will enhance the overall taste of your dish.
• Slice potatoes evenly: Uniform slices allow for even cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked while others are overdone.
• Thoroughly season: Don’t skimp on seasoning; a well-seasoned dish elevates flavors significantly.
• Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try different types of cheese like gouda or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your casserole near the end of baking to achieve your desired level of crispiness on top.

Best Side Dishes for Smothered beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole

Complement your Smothered beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole with these delightful side dishes that perfectly balance its rich flavors.

1. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic provide a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness, making it an excellent contrast to the creamy casserole.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring earthy flavors that pair beautifully with beef.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins add sweetness and are perfect for scooping up casserole remnants.
5. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers a hearty bite with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to savory flavors, adding variety to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Smothered beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasonings: Failing to properly season your beef chops can lead to bland flavors. Always use salt and spices generously to enhance the taste.
• Overcooking or undercooking the potatoes: Make sure your potato slices are thin enough for even cooking. If they are too thick, they won’t soften properly during baking.
• Not allowing the casserole to rest: Cutting into your casserole right after baking can cause it to fall apart. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes for better slicing.
• Ignoring cheese quality: Using pre-shredded cheese can affect the creaminess of your sauce. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a richer flavor.
• Neglecting storage tips: Improper storage can lead to soggy leftovers. Use airtight containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Smothered beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Smothered beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Smothered beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole.

Can I use other types of meat in this casserole?

You can definitely substitute chicken or turkey for the beef chops if desired. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make a vegetarian version of Smothered beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole?

Replace the beef with hearty veggies like mushrooms or eggplant and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What sides pair well with Smothered beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole?

This casserole is filling on its own but pairs nicely with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

Can I add different cheeses to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

The Smothered beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is not just comforting; it’s versatile enough for everyday dinners or special occasions. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different meats. Give this delicious dish a try—your family will love it!