If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, the Garlic Parmesan Beef Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. This dish is a perfect harmony of tender beef loin chops seasoned with savory garlic and Parmesan, paired alongside golden, ooey-gooey scalloped potatoes baked in a luscious cheese sauce. Every bite offers warmth and satisfaction that feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is key to bringing out the best in this meal. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to enhance the texture, flavor, and color, ensuring everything comes together beautifully in your kitchen.
- 4 beef loin chops (about 1 inch thick): These are the star protein, offering juicy, tender meat perfect for pan-searing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps create a perfect sear on the beef chops while adding subtle fruitiness.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Bursting with aromatic flavor that infuses both the beef and potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: Essential for seasoning that enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs that complement the beef perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky depth and subtle warmth.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty finish that crisps beautifully on the beef.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Provides a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the dish visually and in flavor.
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (thinly sliced): Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them ideal for scalloped potatoes.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Forms the base of the creamy roux for the cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a silky consistency.
- 2 cups whole milk: Creates a rich and smooth cheese sauce base.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Gives a robust, tangy cheese flavor that defines the sauce.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey meltiness and stretch to the potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlicky character in the potatoes without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon thyme: Season the cheese sauce with subtle layers of flavor and earthiness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Beef Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by making the creamy cheese sauce: melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and let the sauce thicken for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and thyme until smooth and velvety. Layer half of the thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes in the baking dish, then pour half the cheese sauce over them. Repeat the layering and pour over the remaining sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften and soak up all the cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Beef Chops
While the potatoes are baking, pat the beef loin chops dry with paper towels to get a nice sear. Rub both sides with olive oil, then mix minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Press this seasoning blend firmly onto both sides of the chops, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high and sear each chop for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful crust and reach your preferred doneness (medium is about 145°F internally). Once cooked, transfer the chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes — this keeps them juicy and tender.
Step 3: Finish Baking the Potatoes and Serve
Remove the foil from the scalloped potatoes and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and bubbly. Plate your perfectly cooked Garlic Parmesan Beef Chops with a generous helping of the cheesy scalloped potatoes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chops for a pop of color and fresh flavor that ties the whole dish together wonderfully.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Beef Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant splash of green but also lifts the hearty flavors with its mild, fresh note. For extra indulgence, a light drizzle of olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan right before serving can make this dish even more special.
Side Dishes
Because this meal is already rich and filling, pairing it with a crisp, refreshing side like a green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans keeps the meal balanced. Roasted asparagus or a crunchy coleslaw also provide excellent textural contrast without overpowering the star flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, serve the beef chops sliced on a wood serving board alongside the cheesy scalloped potatoes in a rustic cast-iron dish. Adding edible flowers or microgreens as garnish elevates its presentation instantly. Individual ramekins of scalloped potatoes with a beautifully resting chop on the side make for an elegant plated experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Garlic Parmesan Beef Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef chops stay juicy and the potatoes maintain their creamy texture best when reheated gently.
Freezing
You can freeze the scalloped potatoes separately in a well-sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the beef chops individually wrapped to preserve moisture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat scalloped potatoes covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For beef chops, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave covered for a minute or two, taking care to avoid drying them out. Adding a splash of milk or water before reheating potatoes helps restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat instead of beef loin chops?
Absolutely! Bone-in ribeye or sirloin steaks work well too. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness and preferred doneness.
Is there a way to make the cheesy scalloped potatoes dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use gluten-free flour if needed, and swap the cheeses for dairy-free versions to keep the sauce creamy and delicious.
Can I prepare the potatoes completely ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the scalloped potatoes up to the baking step and refrigerate them. When ready, bake as directed, adding extra baking time if chilled.
How thin should the potato slices be for the scalloped potatoes?
As thin as possible, ideally about 1/8 inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer helps get perfectly even slices which cook uniformly and layer beautifully.
What wine pairs well with Garlic Parmesan Beef Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe?
A full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich flavors of the beef and creamy potatoes wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Beef Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weeknight, this dish brings restaurant-quality comfort right to your table. Give it a try soon — your taste buds and loved ones will thank you for it!
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Garlic Parmesan Beef Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Beef Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe serves up tender, flavorful beef loin chops seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan, paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes baked to golden perfection. This hearty main course combines rich, savory flavors and comforting textures, ideal for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
For the beef chops:
- 4 beef loin chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the cheesy scalloped potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
Instructions
- Make the scalloped potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and thyme until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish, pour half of the cheese sauce over them, then repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Cook the beef chops: While the potatoes bake, pat the beef chops dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese. Press this seasoning mixture firmly onto both sides of each beef chop. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chops and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they develop a brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 145°F for medium doneness. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Finish the scalloped potatoes and serve: Remove the foil from the baking dish and continue baking the scalloped potatoes for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve each beef chop hot alongside a generous portion of the cheesy scalloped potatoes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- The scalloped potatoes can be prepared ahead and reheated before serving for convenience.
- Use a mandoline slicer for consistently thin, even potato slices to ensure they cook evenly.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the cheese sauce.
