Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it heats, thaw the frozen hash browns and drain them thoroughly in a colander, pressing gently to remove excess moisture—this prevents a watery casserole. Finely dice the onion into 1/4-inch pieces, shred the cheddar cheese, and arrange all ingredients within arm's reach of your cooking station.

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then carefully place the pork chops in the pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F). Transfer to a clean plate and set aside. I like using Bertolli olive oil because it has a high smoke point and doesn't overpower the dish.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of celery soup, and milk until smooth and well combined. Fold in the drained hash browns and diced onion until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The creamy base should coat every piece of potato. I always use Daisy sour cream because it creates a richer, smoother sauce that binds everything together beautifully.

Pour the hash brown mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the freshly shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then arrange the seared pork chops on top of the cheese layer, spacing them out evenly. Dust the pork chops with smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor and visual appeal.

Transfer the casserole dish to the preheated 375°F oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges and the hash brown mixture is heated through. The pork will continue to cook gently in the oven, ensuring it stays juicy while the casserole sets.

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy sauce to set slightly, making it easier to portion and more cohesive on the plate. Spoon portions onto plates, ensuring each serving includes a pork chop, hash browns, and plenty of the creamy sauce.