Smother Pork Chops In One 'Golden' Canned Soup For Dinner (With Gravy) In Less Than 30 Minutes

Anyone who's ever had a dry, overcooked pork chop in their life can sympathize with the feelings of dread that sometimes come with the making of said chops. But there's one "golden" rule to keeping those chops moist and flavorful — a much beloved hack, passed down through the years — Campbell's Condensed Golden Mushroom Soup. 

If you've never had the pleasure of tasting this soup, you'll no doubt recognize a few powerhouse umami-makers among its ingredient list, like mushrooms, beef stock, and tomato puree. Though you can enjoy the soup on its own or with a sandwich or salad, the real "golden ticket," is it's use as a foundation for flavor, useful in a myriad of recipes, including Campbell's Super Moist Pork Chops. Using the soup as a cooking liquid imbues the pork with a ton of flavor and helps prevent pork chops from drying out. But the real bonus is the finger-licking gravy your chops will be smothered in.

This easy recipe simply browns the pork chops in oil on the stovetop, then adds the soup to the pan, along with a little water, and brings it to just to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until the chops reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit – the ideal temperature for perfectly cooked pork.

Once you have the basic recipe down, there are plenty of ways to elevate it. There are suggestions from fans of the Golden Mushroom chops on Campbell's comments board, where they often note they've been enjoying it for decades. One of the easiest upgrades is swapping plain ol' salt and pepper for a bit more zip — like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. One nostalgic commenter even said: "I've had this one since I was a kid . . . I also use some thyme to finish them off. Thyme and pork are best friends. These will always remind me of those family dinners," they wrote.

Other folks cook the pork with sliced or diced onion or garlic before adding the soup. Sautéing fresh mushrooms and adding them to the finished gravy is another flavor no-brainer. Have a little extra time? Coat your pork chops in a bit of flour to create a crispier crust and give that sauce a little something to cling to. Additionally, as Campbell's recommends you can double up, using any of its creamy condensed soups in tandem with Golden Mushroom to make your sauce extra rich and add another flavor dimension. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice and any veg of choice. This is just one of many great pork recipes you need to try this fall.