Delicious Pork Chops & Rice Casserole Recipe
How to Create a Delicious Pork Chops & Rice Casserole
If you’re looking for a comforting and easy weeknight meal, this Pork Chops & Rice Casserole is the perfect choice. It’s a hearty dish that combines tender pork chops with creamy, flavorful rice, all baked together in one dish. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have your family coming back for seconds.
A Family Favorite: How Pork Chops & Rice Casserole Became a Staple in Our Home
This pork chop casserole has quickly become a favorite in our household. My husband is always excited when he sees it on the menu, and even our pickiest eater can’t resist the creamy rice paired with the juicy pork chops. The first time I made this dish, it was an instant hit. We sat around the table, and there was hardly a word spoken—everyone was too busy enjoying their meal! Now, it’s one of those reliable recipes I turn to when I want to serve something that I know will be loved by all. It’s simple, comforting, and utterly delicious.
Why You’ll Love Pork Chops & Rice Casserole
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Comfort Food Classic: The combination of pork chops and creamy rice is the ultimate comfort food.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for feeding a hungry family, with flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different seasonings or add-ins to suit your taste.
Ingredients Notes For Pork Chops & Rice Casserole
- Pork Chops: Use bone-in or boneless; both work well in this dish.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice is recommended, but you can substitute with brown rice or wild rice for a different flavor.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides creaminess and flavor; you can also use cream of chicken or celery soup.
- Onion Soup Mix: Adds depth of flavor to the rice; if you don’t have it, you can use a combination of dried onions and beef bouillon.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth helps cook the rice while adding flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Pork Chops & Rice Casserole
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Rice: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of uncooked rice, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 packet of onion soup mix, and 2 cups of broth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the pork chops on top of the rice, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Vegetables: Mix in frozen peas, carrots, or green beans for added nutrition.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese over the rice before baking for a cheesy topping.
- Different Soups: Try using cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cheddar soup for a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning for a kick of heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use boneless pork chops in this recipe?
A1: Yes, boneless pork chops work great. They might cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Q3: What can I serve with this casserole?
A3: A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes.
Q4: How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?
A4: Be sure to cover the dish with foil for most of the baking time to keep the moisture in.
Q5: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A5: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly add more liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Delicious Pork Chops & Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of celery soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Pork Chops: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, sautéed onions, and chicken broth. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place the seared pork chops on top of the rice mixture.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the pork chops are cooked through. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Remove the foil and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Like this yumm