French Onion Smothered Pork Chops
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
440 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
French Onion Smothered Pork Chops
Description
This recipe begins by seasoning pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Onions are slowly caramelized with butter and olive oil until golden for about 15-20 minutes. Garlic and fresh thyme are added, then flour to thicken the pan sauce. Red wine, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard are stirred in to create a rich simmering sauce.
The pork chops are quickly seared on high heat to brown both sides but remain undercooked inside. They are combined with the onion sauce to finish cooking in the pan. Finally, slices of mozzarella or other melting cheese are placed on top to soften and add creaminess.
The dish is richly flavored from the caramelized onions, garlic, and umami from the broth and wine. Pork chops achieve a golden crust outside while finishing tender inside with the smothering sauce adding moisture and depth. Fresh thyme and optional sprigs garnish for aroma.
Rest the pork chops to reach desired doneness, referencing internal temperatures: 145–150°F medium-rare, up to 160°F well done. Removing the chops once cooked to this stage ensures juiciness without overcooking.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoons thyme dried
- 1 tablespoon olive oil plus extra if needed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large onion peeled and sliced into rings
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme fresh, leaves only, chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1 1/2 cup beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- thyme fresh sprigs for garnish (optional
- 4 lices mozzarella cheese you can also use shredded Gruyere, or provolone or Swiss or Gouda
Instructions
- Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder and dried thyme on both sides. Set aside.
- Heat a 10 inch skillet over medium heat (an oven safe or cast iron skillet if you are using the broiler to melt the cheese). Add the olive oil and butter. When the butter is melted, add the onions and cook stirring regularly for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. If the skillet gets too hot, turn the heat to medium-low. You want the onions to cook slowly, not to get charred.
- Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside. Drizzle a bit of olive oil into the skillet, if needed. Turn the heat to high and sear the pork chops for about 1 to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove onto a plate. At this point, the pork chops are not cooked through.
- Turn the heat to medium and return the onions to the skillet. Stir in the garlic and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Cook for a minute. Sprinkle in the flour and mix well. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the wine and mix well. Stir in the broth, Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Mix until well incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- When the sauce comes to a simmer, nestle the pork chops in the sauce. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes or until the pork internal temperature reaches 145 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare. Top the pork chops with cheese, close the lid and wait a couple of minutes until the cheese melts OR follow my favorite method - BROIL. Turn the oven to broil and place the skillet about 4 inches from the heat source. Broil for a few minutes or until the cheese melts and gets gooey and a bit golden (keep an eye on it, it works fast!)
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve immediately.
Notes
- The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
- Rest chops after cooking to reach medium-rare (145-150°F) through well-done (160°F), depending on preference.
- Use an oven-safe or cast iron skillet if broiling cheese to melt evenly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 440 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 440kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 127mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 647mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 732mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 390IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 178mg | 18% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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