Tender Smothered Pork Chops

Name: Tender Smothered Pork Chops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless pork chops; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon mustard; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)

Highlighted under: Soul-Soothing Meals

I absolutely love making Tender Smothered Pork Chops for my family. The rich aroma that fills the kitchen while they're cooking is enough to make anyone ravenous! This recipe brings together juicy pork chops smothered in a savory gravy, making it a perfect comfort food dish. The best part? You can have this delectable meal on the table in just over an hour, and it's truly a crowd-pleaser. The harmony of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds!

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:05:16.403Z

When I first attempted to make Tender Smothered Pork Chops, I was inspired by a family recipe I had enjoyed growing up. The idea of infusing the chops with all those layers of flavor made my mouth water just thinking about it. After several trials, I found that searing the pork first locks in the juices beautifully, and then finishing it off in the gravy makes it incredibly tender.

One key tip I discovered was to let the gravy thicken a bit before adding the chops back to the pan. This not only enhances the flavors, but it also ensures that the pork is coated in a luscious sauce that elevates the dish. Trust me, the result is nothing short of spectacular!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy pork chops that melt in your mouth
Savory gravy that enhances every bite
Simple ingredients that create maximum flavor
Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive occasions

Perfecting Your Pork Chops

For the best texture, opt for boneless pork chops that are at least an inch thick. Thicker chops tend to remain juicier during cooking. To ensure they cook evenly, allow the pork chops to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before searing. This step helps achieve a nice golden crust all around without overcooking the meat inside.

When seasoning, remember that the flavor will build with the natural juices. Don’t be afraid to generously sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides before searing. A good sear locks in moisture and improves overall flavor while creating that appealing brown color.

Making the Gravy Shine

The rich gravy is crucial in this recipe, complementing the pork chops beautifully. When sautéing the onion, aim for a translucent appearance, about 2-3 minutes. This not only sweetens the onion but also enhances the gravy's depth. The garlic should be added last to preserve its flavor; cooking just until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds, is ideal.

Using beef broth adds robustness, but if you prefer a lighter taste, chicken broth works as a great substitute. When incorporating Worcestershire sauce, don’t shy away from tasting the gravy before simmering; adjusting the seasoning at this stage can elevate your final dish significantly.

Serving and Variations

After simmering, serve the pork chops hot, allowing the gravy to generously spill over them. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, where the gravy can easily enhance the overall flavor. If you want to add a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley to brighten the dish visually.

If planning to serve this dish to a larger group, scaling up is easy! Simply double or triple the ingredients while keeping the cooking times in mind. Make sure your skillet can accommodate the extra pork chops without overcrowding, which could affect the cooking process.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create this delicious dish:

Ingredients

4 boneless pork chops
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)

Make sure everything is ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Tender Smothered Pork Chops:

Sear the Pork Chops

Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Gravy

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the beef broth and stir in Worcestershire sauce and mustard.

Simmer

Return the chops to the skillet and cover. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through.

Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker gravy, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Serve

Serve the pork chops hot with the gravy poured over them. Enjoy with your favorite sides!

Enjoy your delicious, homemade Tender Smothered Pork Chops!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor kick, add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy. You can also substitute chicken broth for beef broth if you prefer a lighter taste.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the pork chops are overcooked and dry, it's often due to excessive heat during searing. Ensure to sear on medium-high heat and always check the internal temperature of the pork chops, aiming for 145°F for perfect juiciness. Letting them rest after cooking will also help retain moisture.

In case your gravy turns out too thin, simply simmer it longer without the chops to reduce the liquid. If you're looking for an immediate fix, the cornstarch mixture is a swift option to achieve the desired thickness, just make sure to stir continuously to avoid lumps.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be easily stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain flavor and texture, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore the gravy's consistency and keep the pork moist.

Freezing is also an option; the chops and gravy can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating on the stove for best results.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the gravy, such as thyme or rosemary, which can add an aromatic twist. A splash of red wine can also be added to the gravy for an extra layer of flavor; just allow it to reduce before adding the broth.

For a spicy kick, consider including a teaspoon of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when preparing the gravy. This not only enhances flavor but adds a delightful heat that complements the savory qualities of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bone-in pork chops?

Yes, bone-in pork chops can be used. Just increase the cooking time slightly.

→ Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice are great choices to accompany Tender Smothered Pork Chops.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. Just thaw and reheat on the stove when ready to eat.