Country Fried Beef Chops with Turkey Bacon Gravy

Oh, my stars! Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp, golden-brown beef chop, its savory juices mingling with a creamy, smoky turkey bacon gravy. It’s a down-home comfort food symphony that’ll have your taste buds singing a sweet Southern tune.

Craving a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and soul-warming? This Country Fried Beef Chops with Turkey Bacon Gravy recipe is a guaranteed winner, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress.

Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely fall in love with this recipe:

• It’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned chef, with straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
• The combination of crispy beef and smoky gravy creates an irresistible flavor profile that is savory, rich, and deeply satisfying.
• The golden-brown chops and creamy gravy make for a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
• You can serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides for a complete and comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Country Fried Beef Chops with Turkey Bacon Gravy

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Beef Chops Choose thin-cut beef chops for quicker cooking and optimal crispiness. Look for chops that are about 1/2 inch thick.

All-Purpose Flour This is essential for creating a crispy coating on the beef chops. You can also use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

Eggs Eggs act as a binder, helping the flour adhere to the beef chops and creating a golden-brown crust.

Milk or Buttermilk Adding milk or buttermilk to the egg mixture creates a lighter, more tender crust. Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor.

Turkey Bacon Turkey bacon provides a smoky, savory flavor to the gravy while being a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon. Ensure it’s fully cooked before adding.

Chicken Broth Chicken broth forms the base of the gravy, adding depth and richness. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.

Cornstarch Cornstarch is used to thicken the gravy, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Mix it with cold water before adding to prevent lumps.

Onion and Garlic These aromatics add a savory foundation to the gravy. Finely chop them for even cooking.

Seasonings Salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Adjust the amounts to your taste preference.

Vegetable Oil Vegetable oil is used for frying the beef chops to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chops.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Country Fried Beef Chops with Turkey Bacon Gravy

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Chops

In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk or buttermilk. In another shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Dredge each beef chop in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it again in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered.

Step 2: Fry the Beef Chops

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded beef chops in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chops and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey Bacon

In the same skillet, cook the chopped turkey bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the cooked turkey bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Add chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, bring to a simmer, and then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Stir in the cooked turkey bacon into the gravy. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Return the fried beef chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the chops to absorb the gravy flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Country Fried Beef Chops with Turkey Bacon Gravy to plates. Spoon generous amounts of gravy over the chops. Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To ace this Country Fried Beef Chops with Turkey Bacon Gravy, start by prepping all your ingredients. Dredge the beef while the pan heats, then fry. As they rest, whip up the gravy. This keeps things smooth and ensures a sizzling, delicious dinner.

Add Your Touch

Feeling adventurous? Swap out the classic flour dredge for a gluten-free option like almond or rice flour. Spice things up with a pinch of smoked paprika in the gravy or add some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist. It’s your kitchen, your rules!

Storing & Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the beef chops and gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat the chops in a skillet with a bit of oil until warmed through, and gently heat the gravy in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Enjoy!

Here are some tips to elevate your Country Fried Beef Chops with Turkey Bacon Gravy game:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the beef. Work in batches to maintain the oil temperature for a perfectly crispy crust.

• For a richer gravy, use homemade beef broth and let it simmer longer to develop depth of flavor, stirring frequently.

• Ensure the gravy is smooth by whisking constantly while adding the milk. This prevents lumps and gives a silky texture.

(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading (very important! don’t write any title for this paragraph))

The first time I made this, my cousin swore I’d snuck a pig into the kitchen. He couldn’t believe the “turkey bacon” tasted so good. That’s when I knew this recipe was a winner.

A Southern Classic, Reimagined

Country Fried Beef Chops with Turkey Bacon Gravy. It’s a mouthful to say, and an even bigger mouthful of flavor to experience. I’m not from the South, heck I’m not even from the USA, but I am absolutely obsessed with this comfort food classic that brings a taste of down-home goodness to any table. And the best part? This version skips the usual suspects (we’re looking at you, pork) and still delivers that soul-satisfying taste you crave.

I first encountered something similar in a small town diner during a cross-country road trip. The air was thick with the aroma of frying something delicious, and the locals were tucking into plates piled high with golden-brown goodness. The experience was unforgettable. However, I needed to make a more universally palatable version without sacrificing any of the flavor.

So, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into creating the ultimate Country Fried Beef Chops with Turkey Bacon Gravy. Prepare to ditch your diet (just for tonight, I promise!) and embrace a culinary hug from the inside out.

Gathering Your Culinary Arsenal

Before we embark on this delicious adventure, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is all about simple ingredients transformed into something spectacular.

• **Beef Chops:** Look for thinner cuts, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly, giving you that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture. About four chops should do the trick for a family dinner.
• **All-Purpose Flour:** This is the base for our crispy coating. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-sensitive crowd.
• **Seasonings:** Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick! Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.
• **Eggs:** Two large eggs, beaten. These act as the glue that helps the flour adhere to the beef.
• **Milk or Buttermilk:** Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor, but regular milk works just fine.
• **Turkey Bacon:** This is our pork-free alternative that brings that smoky, savory goodness to the gravy. Make sure you get a brand you enjoy!
• **Beef Broth:** The base of our rich and flavorful gravy.
• **Butter:** For sautéing and adding richness to the gravy.
• **Oil:** Vegetable or canola oil, for frying the beef chops.
• **Optional:** Fresh parsley, for garnish.

With your ingredients assembled, you’re ready to transform your kitchen into a Southern-inspired haven.

The Art of the Fry: Making Country Fried Beef Chops

Now for the fun part! Making country fried beef chops is all about technique. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds. It’s like a dance, a ballet of beef and bubbling oil. And I promise you, even if you step on your own toes a few times, the end result will be worth it.

Preparing the Beef

First, pat your beef chops dry with paper towels. This is crucial! Excess moisture will prevent the flour from sticking properly, resulting in a soggy, sad excuse for a crispy chop. We don’t want sad chops, we want happy, golden-brown chops!

Next, season the chops generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Don’t be shy! This is your chance to infuse the beef with flavor from the inside out.

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk or buttermilk. In another shallow dish, place the flour.

The Dredging Dance

Now comes the dredging. This is where the magic happens. Dip each beef chop into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it in the flour, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres to all sides. Repeat this process for each chop.

The double dredge is key to achieving that thick, crispy crust that is a hallmark of a good Country Fried Beef Chop.

Frying to Perfection

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle when you add the beef, but not so hot that it burns the flour.

Carefully place the dredged beef chops in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove the chops from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This helps maintain their crispy texture.

**Crafting the Creamy Turkey Bacon Gravy**

No Country Fried Beef Chops experience is complete without a generous dousing of creamy, flavorful gravy. This turkey bacon gravy is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional gravy. Trust me, you won’t miss the pork!

Turkey Bacon Time

In a large skillet, cook the turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble the bacon once it’s cool enough to handle.

Leave about 2 tablespoons of turkey bacon grease in the skillet. This will be the base of our gravy and add tons of flavor.

Gravy Construction

Add the butter to the skillet with the turkey bacon grease. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy.

Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.

Stir in the crumbled turkey bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Creamy Dreamy Finish

For an extra creamy gravy, stir in a splash of milk or cream just before serving. This adds a touch of richness and indulgence.

**Plating and Presentation: A Feast for the Eyes**

Now that you’ve created these culinary masterpieces, it’s time to present them in a way that’s as appealing to the eye as they are to the palate.

Place the Country Fried Beef Chops on a platter and generously ladle the turkey bacon gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw.

**Country Fried Beef Chops with Turkey Bacon Gravy: A Delicious Victory**

Congratulations! You’ve just conquered the Country Fried Beef Chops with Turkey Bacon Gravy. You have created a dish that’s delicious, comforting, and sure to impress your friends and family. This recipe proves that you don’t need to compromise on flavor to enjoy a classic dish with a healthier twist. So, gather your loved ones, set the table, and prepare to experience a culinary hug from the inside out.

Conclusion for Country Fried Beef Chops with Turkey Bacon Gravy:

So there you have it! A comforting plate of Country Fried Beef Chops smothered in savory turkey bacon gravy. We sidestepped the pork and embraced delicious alternatives like turkey bacon. Remember to tenderize your beef, keep that oil hot for crispy chops, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your sides. This recipe is all about bringing joy to your table with a classic dish made accessible for everyone to enjoy. Happy cooking, and may your gravy always be lump-free!

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FAQs:

What are the best beef cuts to use for Country Fried Beef Chops?

For the most tender and flavorful country fried beef chops, I recommend using either cube steak or round steak. Cube steak is already tenderized, making it cook quickly and evenly. Round steak, while a bit tougher, offers a great beefy flavor. Just be sure to tenderize it well with a meat mallet before breading. Remember, the goal is that melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness we all crave, so don’t be shy with the tenderizing! Feel free to experiment, but these are my go-to choices for truly satisfying beef chops.

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon for the gravy?

While I am using turkey bacon to keep the recipe aligned with dietary restrictions, you might wonder about using traditional bacon. Turkey bacon offers a leaner alternative while still providing that smoky, savory flavor that makes gravy so irresistible. It crisps up beautifully and adds a wonderful depth to the gravy without the extra fat. Feel free to explore other substitutes too for a healthier meal.

How can I ensure my Country Fried Beef Chops are crispy?

Achieving that perfect crispy crust is all about a few key tricks. First, make sure your beef chops are dry before dredging them in flour. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Second, don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chops. Finally, maintain a consistent oil temperature – around 325-350°F (160-175°C) is ideal. And remember, patience is a virtue. Let them fry undisturbed until golden brown before flipping. Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with crispy, crunchy perfection every time.

What can I serve with Country Fried Beef Chops and Turkey Bacon Gravy?

These country fried beef chops and gravy are incredibly versatile. I love serving them with classic comfort food sides like creamy mashed potatoes (because, who doesn’t love mashed potatoes?), fluffy biscuits, or buttered corn. Green beans or a simple side salad also provide a nice contrast to the richness of the dish. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dollop of apple chutney for a sweet and savory twist.