Mama smothers pork chops in cola soda in casserole. This recipe is to die for

Smothered pork chops in cola is the kind of dish that takes me straight back to the church basement suppers of my childhood, where every casserole smelled like comfort and every pan told a story. Using cola to braise meat is an old Midwestern trick, born from the days when folks made do with what they had in the pantry and weren’t afraid to pour a little soda into the pot if it promised a tender roast. The sweetness of the cola cozies right up to the savory onions and pork, making a glossy, spoonable gravy that feels like Sunday dinner any night of the week. This is the sort of recipe you make when the weather turns cool, when you want the oven to warm the house and something familiar to warm your heart. It’s simple, forgiving, and humble—just the way the best casseroles usually are.

These smothered pork chops practically beg to be served over a soft, starchy bed that can soak up all that cola-onion gravy. Fluffy mashed potatoes are the old standby in my kitchen, but buttered egg noodles or plain white rice will do the job just as well. A pan of green beans—cooked low and slow with a little onion and maybe a bit of bacon—fits right in alongside, or a simple side of sweet corn, either creamed or straight from the cob in summertime. A crisp lettuce salad with a tangy dressing helps cut through the richness, and if you really want to lean into the farmhouse feel, pull out some warm dinner rolls or buttermilk biscuits for sopping up every last bit of sauce.