Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy

These smothered pork chops with mushroom gravy are the epitome of a hearty, satisfying meal! Tender, juicy pork chops are nestled in a rich, velvety mushroom gravy packed with flavor. 

I’m telling you, serving them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice is pure heaven.

This meal is full of soul-satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs goodness. It tastes like something grandma would make!

Grab your skillet and get ready to experience comfort on a plate!

Why You'll Love These Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy

Full of Flavor: Savor the rich, umami-packed combination of tender pork and earthy mushrooms. It’s elevated by a velvety gravy coating every bite.

One-Pan Wonder: The entire meal is prepared in a single skillet. Cleanup is a breeze!

Comfort Classic: This timeless dish evokes memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. It’s perfect for cozy nights.

Impressive Presentation: Wow dinner guests with a restaurant-quality dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

• Bone-In Pork Chops: These thick, juicy cuts retain their flavor and tenderness when cooked with the bone.
  
• Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika adds depth and warmth. Salt and black pepper enhance the natural flavors.
  
• Olive Oil: Used for searing, it imparts a subtle richness and helps achieve a golden-brown crust on the pork chops.
  
• Butter: It adds a creamy richness to the mushroom gravy.
  
• Onion and Garlic: The onion provides sweetness and depth, while garlic brings a fragrant aroma.
  
• Mushrooms: Earthy and savory, they soak up the flavors of the gravy.
  
• All-Purpose Flour: It acts as a thickening agent for the gravy, creating a smooth and velvety sauce.
  
• Beef Broth: It provides a robust base for the gravy, enhancing its savory profile with rich, meaty undertones.
  
• Heavy Cream: It adds a luxurious creaminess to the gravy, making it silky and indulgent.
  
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: They give the dish a subtle, herbal note.
  
• Worcestershire Sauce: Optional but recommended for adding depth and complexity to the gravy's flavor.

How to Make Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy

This comforting meal is so easy to whip up! Follow these simple steps.

1. Season the pork chops. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mix on both sides of the pork chops.

2. Sear the pork chops. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the mushrooms. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're softened and golden brown.

4. Add the garlic and flour. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and onions, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.

5. Finish the gravy. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking to combine and create a smooth gravy. Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Let the gravy simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

6. Smother the pork chops. Add the seared pork chops back into the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the pork chops cook in the gravy for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F. Occasionally, spoon some of the gravy over the pork chops as they cook to keep them moist.

7. Serve. Remove the skillet from heat and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. This helps the meat retain its juices. Serve the pork chops smothered in the rich mushroom gravy, garnished with extra thyme or fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Smothered Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy

These easy tips will make your pork chops even more irresistible.

• Pick the best pork. Choose bone-in pork chops about 1-inch thick for the most tender and flavorful results. Boneless pork chops can also be used.
  
• Resist the urge to poke. Avoid the urge to frequently flip or move the pork chops as they sear to allow a crust to develop.
  
• Hang onto the browned bits. Leave the browned bits in the pan after searing the pork to add rich flavor to the mushroom gravy.
  
• Make them nice and tender. If you prefer extra tender pork chops, you can let them simmer in the gravy a bit longer on low heat. Just don’t overcook them to avoid dryness.
  
• Jazz up the flavor. Substitute white wine for part of the beef broth for a more rustic flavor. 
  
• Make it a meal to remember. Serve the smothered pork chops over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the flavorful mushroom gravy. Pair with a green vegetable like sautéed spinach or green beans.

How to Store

Keep leftover pork fresh with these simple steps.

To Store: Place cooled pork chops and gravy in an air-tight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To Freeze: Transfer cooled pork chops and gravy to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat: Warm in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring the gravy between each interval.