A Family Favorite: Baked Pork Chops with Potatoes and Green Beans

There’s something comforting about pulling a steaming hot tray from the oven, filled with golden pork chops, crispy-edged potatoes, and vibrant green beans. This dish reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house, where the aroma of baked pork chops made us all eager to gather around the table. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook looking for a hearty meal, this recipe for baked pork chops with potatoes and green beans is one you’ll want to bookmark.

This meal is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I’ll walk you through each step, offering tips and tricks to ensure your pork chops are juicy and flavorful every time.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Part of the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward and easily available, which makes it all the more appealing. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Pork Chops: 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • Potatoes: 4 medium-sized, cut into wedges
  • Green Beans: 400 grams, trimmed
  • Olive Oil: For drizzling
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste
  • Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Rosemary: 1 teaspoon, chopped (optional)

Now, with your ingredients lined up, let’s dive into the process of creating this mouthwatering meal.

Preparing Your Pork Chops and Vegetables

Preparation is key in making sure that everything cooks evenly and comes out perfectly seasoned. Here’s how you can prepare your pork chops and veggies:

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This high temperature helps in getting those pork chops nice and brown while keeping them juicy.
  • Season the pork chops: Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme in a small bowl. Rub both sides of each pork chop with the seasoning mix.
  • Prepare the vegetables: Place the potato wedges and green beans in a separate bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and rosemary (if using). Toss to coat evenly.

With your ingredients prepped, you’re ready to assemble the dish.

Assembling and Baking

Laying your tray out properly ensures that the pork chops and vegetables cook evenly. Follow these steps to assemble your dish:

  • Arrange the pork chops: Lay the seasoned pork chops in a single layer on a large baking tray.
  • Add the vegetables: Spread the seasoned potatoes and green beans around and between the pork chops. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow for even roasting.

Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. After the first 15 minutes, you might want to check the tray and gently stir the vegetables to ensure they cook evenly, flipping the pork chops at the same time.

Check for Doneness and Serve

Ensuring your pork chops are perfectly cooked is crucial:

  • Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). Use a meat thermometer to check.
  • Vegetables should be tender and slightly crisp on the edges.

Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the tray from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes—this helps the pork chops retain their juices when you cut into them.

Serve this warm, comforting dish directly from the oven to the table and watch as it brings everyone together, just like at my grandmother’s Sunday dinners. The juicy pork chops, flavorful crispy potatoes, and tender green beans make a complete meal that’s not only nourishing but also a feast for the eyes.

Concluding Thoughts

What I love most about this recipe for baked pork chops with potatoes and green beans is its simplicity combined with the heartwarming flavors. It's a dish that brings back memories and creates new ones, all around the dinner table. Whether you're cooking for a busy weekday meal or a more relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe promises to deliver both comfort and taste. I hope it becomes as cherished in your home as it is in mine.

Happy cooking, and enjoy the delicious rewards of your effort!