Uncle Bill’s Pork Chops in Mushroom Soup: A Hug in a Casserole Dish

I’ve always believed that the best recipes are the ones steeped in memory, the ones that transport you back to a specific moment, a familiar aroma, a cherished presence. For me, Uncle Bill’s Pork Chops in Mushroom Soup is precisely that. It wasn’t just a meal; it was the comforting embrace of my Uncle Bill, a man whose kitchen was always a warm, inviting sanctuary. He wasn’t a formally trained chef, but he possessed an innate understanding of comfort food, of dishes that nourished the soul as much as the body. This particular creation, born from his own culinary explorations and a desire for tender, flavorful pork chops, quickly became a family legend, a dish I eagerly anticipated whenever I visited.

Recipe Overview

Here are the essential details for Uncle Bill’s comforting pork chop bake:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 2-3
• Yield: 1 casserole
• Dietary Type: Standard

Ingredients

Gather these components for a truly satisfying meal:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 large boneless center cut pork chops, minimum 1-inch thick (approximately 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup whole milk, homogenized
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Padano cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Sambal Oelek
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 cup finely sliced onion
• 1 cup grated Russet potatoes (scrubbed clean, no need to peel) OR 1 cup Yukon Gold potato (scrubbed clean, no need to peel)
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, seeded and julienned

Equipment Needed

To bring this dish to life, you’ll need:

• A 9″ x 9″ oven-proof casserole dish
• A frying pan
• A mixing bowl
• A whisk
• Aluminum foil
• An oven

Instructions

Let’s create this comforting classic, step by step:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This initial high heat will help to beautifully brown the pork chops and kickstart the cooking process.
2. Next, prepare your 9″ x 9″ oven-proof casserole dish. Rub the inside surfaces of the dish thoroughly with the 1 tablespoon of butter. This not only adds a subtle richness but also helps to prevent any sticking.
3. In your frying pan, add the 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Place the pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the three boneless center cut pork chops. Sear the pork chops for approximately 3 minutes on each side, aiming for a light, golden-brown crust. This searing step is crucial for developing depth of flavor and ensuring a beautifully browned exterior.
4. Once seared, transfer the seared pork chops to the prepared casserole dish. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping too much.
5. In a mixing bowl, it’s time to create the flavorful sauce. Whisk together the 1 (10.5 ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/4 cup of whole milk, 1/4 cup of freshly grated Padano cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of Sambal Oelek, and 1/8 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
6. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the pork chops in the casserole dish. Ensure each chop is well-coated.
7. Now, it’s time for the aromatic vegetables. Sprinkle the 1 cup of finely sliced onion evenly over the top of the sauce and pork chops.
8. Following the onions, sprinkle the 1 cup of grated Russet potato (or Yukon Gold potato) over the top. The potato will absorb some of the moisture and contribute to a delightful texture as it bakes.
9. Finally, layer the 1 medium sweet red pepper, which you’ve seeded and julienned, over the top of everything. This adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
10. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is essential to keep the moisture in during the initial baking phase, ensuring the pork chops become wonderfully tender.
11. Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 30 minutes.
12. After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue to cook the dish, still covered with aluminum foil, for an additional 15 minutes. This gradual cooking process ensures the pork is cooked through and incredibly tender.
13. Once baked, serve the pork chops hot. They are particularly delicious served over cooked rice, allowing the flavorful sauce to be absorbed.
14. You can easily double this recipe for a larger gathering, but be sure to use a correspondingly larger casserole dish to accommodate the increased volume.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Uncle Bill’s approach was always about simplicity and maximum flavor. Here are a few insights that elevate this dish:

• The Power of the Sear: Don’t skip the searing step! A good sear on the pork chops not only adds visual appeal but locks in juices and develops a rich, savory foundation for the sauce.
• Potato Prep: When grating the potatoes, aim for a coarse grate. This will allow them to soften and integrate beautifully into the sauce without becoming mushy. Make sure they are scrubbed clean so you can enjoy the added nutrients and flavor of the skin.
• Spice Level Adjustment: The Sambal Oelek provides a gentle warmth. If you prefer a bit more heat, you can add an extra pinch or two. Conversely, if you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit it entirely, though it does add a lovely depth.
• Cheese Choice: While Padano is specified, a good quality Parmesan or even a Pecorino Romano would also lend a delightful salty, nutty flavor to the sauce.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, its aromas filling your kitchen. Serve the tender pork chops alongside their luscious mushroom sauce, spooned generously over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a side of steamed green beans.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers often just as delicious. To reheat, gently warm the pork chops and sauce in a covered dish in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until heated through, or microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, to prevent drying out.

Nutritional Information

While this dish is a celebration of comfort, here’s an estimated breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	342.9 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	24.1 g	37%
Saturated Fat	8.4 g	41%
Cholesterol	27.4 mg	9%
Sodium	779.3 mg	32%
Total Carbohydrate	27.4 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	4 g	15%
Sugars	8.2 g	32%
Protein	6.7 g	13%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

While Uncle Bill’s recipe is a classic for a reason, feel free to explore these variations:

• For a Richer Sauce: If you enjoy a more decadent sauce, you can substitute a portion of the milk with heavy cream.
• Add Mushrooms: For an extra mushroom-forward dish, sauté sliced fresh mushrooms (like cremini or button) with the onions before adding them to the casserole.
• Herbaceous Notes: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary over the top before baking can add a lovely herbaceous dimension.
• Vegetable Additions: Besides the red pepper, finely diced carrots or celery could be added for extra vegetables.

FAQs

Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
A: While boneless center-cut pork chops are specified for even cooking and tenderness, you could adapt this recipe for bone-in chops. Be aware that bone-in cuts may require a slightly longer cooking time to reach the same level of tenderness.

Q: My pork chops are a bit dry. What did I do wrong?
A: Ensure you are not overcooking the pork chops. The combination of searing and covered baking helps maintain moisture. Also, confirm your pork chops are at least 1-inch thick, as thinner chops can dry out more easily.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. You may need to add an additional 5-10 minutes to the initial covered baking time if baking from cold.

Q: What kind of potatoes are best for grating?
A: Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they break down nicely and absorb the sauce, contributing to the dish’s creamy texture. Ensure they are scrubbed clean to make the most of their nutrients and flavor.

Q: Is Sambal Oelek essential?
A: Sambal Oelek adds a subtle, pleasant heat and a touch of complexity to the sauce. While not strictly essential, it contributes a unique flavor profile that is characteristic of this dish. You can omit it if you prefer a milder taste.

Final Thoughts

Uncle Bill’s Pork Chops in Mushroom Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, honest cooking to create profound comfort and connection. It’s a dish that whispers of shared meals, laughter around the table, and the enduring warmth of family. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and create this delicious legacy in your own kitchen. May it bring you as much joy and comfort as it has brought me. I often find a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or some crusty bread to sop up every last bit of that exquisite sauce makes for a perfect accompaniment.