If you’re looking for the ultimate hearty comfort food, you can’t do better than this Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole. Succulent beef chops get seared and layered with velvety potatoes, sharp cheddar, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce, all baked together until bubbling, golden, and irresistibly fragrant. Every forkful is a cozy invitation to gather around the table, and this flavorful casserole brings big Southern spirit and incredible flavors to even the chilliest nights. Once you’ve tried it, it just might become your new favorite way to combine beef and potatoes in one soul-warming dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole lies in a handful of simple, honest ingredients that, when layered together, create something truly special. Every piece plays an essential role—potatoes turn tender and creamy, beef adds savory richness, and the cheese sauce ties it all together in gooey perfection.
- Beef chuck chops or boneless beef shoulder steaks (1 ½ pounds): Choose well-marbled cuts for the juiciest, most flavorful bite in your casserole.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the beef a beautiful sear and a hint of fruitiness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Don’t be shy—seasoning brings out every ingredient’s best.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential for a subtle kick without overpowering the creamy sauce.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a mellow, deep flavor throughout every bite.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural sweetness of the sauce and potato layers.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami punch to the beef for that “secret ingredient” flavor.
- Russet potatoes, thinly sliced (2 pounds): Their texture absorbs the sauce while staying tender and hearty.
- Medium onion, thinly sliced (1): Layered for extra sweetness and a delicate aroma.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): The key to a silky, luxurious cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the cheese sauce to just the right consistency.
- Milk (1 ½ cups): Use whole milk for the richest, most indulgent effect.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Makes the sauce incredibly smooth and unforgettably luscious.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Delivers tang and gooey meltiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Boosts savoriness and depth to every cheesy layer.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings a whisper of herbal earthiness, tying the flavors together.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness to brighten up your casserole.
How to Make Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 375°F and let it come fully up to temperature. This goes a long way toward consistent baking and perfect browning. While it heats up, gather all your ingredients and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Beef
Sprinkle your beef chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Massage those flavors right in. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high, then sear the chops for about 3–4 minutes per side until they’re deeply browned and smell divine. You don’t have to cook them all the way through—they’ll finish in the oven! Once they’re seared, set aside (and try not to snag a bite!).
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce
Keep that same skillet on the stove for bonus flavor (those beefy bits are gold!). Melt the butter, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until luscious and thickened. Stir in the cheddar, Parmesan, and dried thyme, letting everything melt into a glorious, velvety sauce.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Create a cozy foundation in your prepared baking dish with half the potato and onion slices. Pour on half of your cheese sauce for dreamy coverage. Nestle the seared beef chops in a single layer, then blanket them with the rest of the potatoes, onions, and the remaining cheese sauce. You’re building flavor in every layer!
Step 5: Bake It Up
Cover the casserole tightly with foil—this steams the potatoes so they bake up tender and creamy. Pop it in the oven for 60 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and irresistibly bubbly. The aromas by this point are almost impossible to resist.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is perfectly browned, pull it out and let it rest for 10 minutes. This gives the sauce time to settle, ensuring tidy slices and maximum creaminess. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a pop of color and brightness.
How to Serve Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley really wakes up this casserole and brings beautiful contrast to the rich, cheesy layers. For even more flair, add finely sliced green onions or a pinch of extra Parmesan just before serving—these garnishes add a subtle freshness and restaurant-worthy finish to your Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some simple steamed green beans. These sides balance the comforting richness and bring a splash of color to your plate. But honestly, this dish can stand alone—add some crusty bread to mop up the cheesy sauce and you’re absolutely set.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making individual portions by assembling the casserole in ramekins for a dinner party showstopper, or cut it into generous squares and serve over a bed of wilted spinach for a touch of elegance. If you’re sharing at a potluck, bring the whole baking dish and let folks serve themselves family-style—the Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is always a crowd-pleaser, no matter how you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Cover the baking dish snugly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making weekday lunches or cozy second-night dinners a breeze.
Freezing
Want to save some for another chilly night? Let your casserole cool completely, then wrap it well with foil and plastic wrap or portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll hold up for 2 to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To bring your casserole back to its creamy, cheesy glory, reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes (longer if reheating from frozen). For speedier leftovers, you can microwave individual portions, though reheating in the oven keeps the texture closest to fresh-from-the-oven perfection.
FAQs
Can I make Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the day before, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, set it out at room temperature while the oven preheats and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What are the best potato types for this casserole?
Russet potatoes are the gold standard—they slice easily, bake up tender, and their starch helps thicken the sauce. Yukon Golds are a good substitute for an even creamier texture. Just aim for thin, uniform slices for even cooking.
Can I swap out the beef chops for something else?
Definitely! Boneless pork chops work beautifully, or you can use chicken thighs for a lighter (but still incredibly tasty) casserole. Just adjust the searing time as needed.
How can I make this dish even creamier?
For extra decadence, swap out whole milk for evaporated milk or increase the heavy cream just a bit. Don’t skimp on the cheese sauce—ample sauce ensures every bite of your Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole is dreamy and moist.
Do I need a mandoline slicer for the potatoes?
A mandoline makes slicing potatoes lightning-fast and delivers perfectly even pieces, which helps everything cook at the same rate. But a sharp knife and a steady hand will work just fine if you don’t have one!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug, give this Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole a try. It’s a showstopper at gatherings, a favorite for weeknight dinners, and pure joy in every cheesy, beefy, potato-filled bite. Gather your loved ones, dig in, and enjoy making memories around this irresistible dish!
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Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this hearty and comforting Smothered Beef Chop Scalloped Potato Casserole for a delicious Southern-inspired meal. Tender beef chops are layered with thinly sliced potatoes, a creamy cheese sauce, and baked to golden perfection. A perfect blend of flavors and textures, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Beef Chops:
- 1 ½ pounds beef chuck chops or boneless beef shoulder steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Chops: Season beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Sear in a skillet until browned. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir in cheeses and thyme until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer potatoes, onions, cheese sauce, and beef in a baking dish. Bake covered, then uncovered until golden.
- Serve: Let rest before garnishing with parsley and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless pork chops if desired.
- For creamier results, use evaporated milk instead of whole milk.
- A mandoline slicer helps achieve thin, even potato slices.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
