These juicy pork chops are smothered in a thick and tasty brown gravy that makes every bite delightful. It’s a comforting dish that’s great for family dinners!
What’s better than tender pork chops? When you pour that rich gravy over them, it’s like a warm hug on your plate! I love serving this with mashed potatoes to soak up all that goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are the best for flavor and moisture, but boneless chops work too. If you want to go a bit lighter, you could even use chicken breasts!
Beef Broth: Beef broth adds rich flavor, but chicken broth can be a nice substitute if you prefer a milder taste. Vegetable broth is an option too for a vegetarian twist!
Mushrooms: I love using button or cremini mushrooms for their earthiness. If you’re not a fan, you can leave them out or use spinach instead for a different texture.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds vibrant flavor, but dried thyme is a good alternative. Just remember, dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less!
How Do You Achieve the Perfectly Searing on Pork Chops?
Searing ensures your pork chops develop a delicious crust while sealing in juices. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with room-temperature pork chops; this helps them cook evenly.
- Pat them dry thoroughly—moisture can prevent a good sear.
- Use medium-high heat—hot enough to brown the chops but not burn.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; this helps maintain heat for better browning.
- Let the chops rest for a few minutes after cooking for juiciness!
Pork Chops with Brown Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for lighter flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
- Fresh parsley or additional thyme for garnish
- Optional: green beans or other vegetable for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish! With about 10 minutes for prepping the ingredients and 20 minutes for cooking, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
First, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the chops sear nicely! Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper for flavor.
2. Searing the Chops:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the pork chops. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are beautifully browned and have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). After searing, take the chops out of the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Cooking the Onions and Mushrooms:
Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. When it’s melted, toss in the chopped onions and cook until they’re softened, which should take around 3 minutes. Following that, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and stir. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, roughly 5 minutes. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Making the Gravy:
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This will cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux. Next, gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure you scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Now, add the Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Bring everything to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens, which should be about 4-5 minutes. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper!
5. Combine and Heat:
Return the seared pork chops to the skillet and spoon that delicious gravy over them. Heat everything together for another 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
6. Serve!
It’s time to enjoy! Serve the pork chops topped with warm brown gravy and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs. This dish goes great with steamed green beans or your favorite vegetable, and don’t forget some mashed potatoes to soak up that lovely gravy! Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops work perfectly in this recipe! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster than bone-in chops. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
To store leftovers, let the pork chops cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep them moist.
Can I Make the Gravy Without Flour?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free option, you can replace the flour with cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the gravy mixture until it thickens.
What Should I Serve with Pork Chops and Gravy?
These pork chops go wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles to soak up the gravy. Steamed green beans or a fresh salad make great healthy sides as well!