If there’s one dish that could single-handedly win the title of the ultimate comfort food, it might just be this Pork Chops & Rice Casserole. With its perfectly seasoned pork chops, fluffy rice infused with rich broth, and tender onions all baked together in one pan, this dish checks all the boxes for a satisfying, one-pot meal.
Originating from traditional American home cooking, this recipe is all about simplicity, affordability, and incredible flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Pork Chops & Rice Casserole Recipe
Hearty and Filling: The combination of pork chops and rice makes this dish incredibly satisfying, perfect for feeding a hungry family.
Simple and Easy: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this dish in the oven in no time.
Full of Flavor: The pork chops, onions, and broth meld together beautifully, creating a comforting, savory flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
Versatile: Customize this dish with your favorite spices, add veggies for more nutrition, or tweak it to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients for Pork Chops & Rice Casserole
To make this comforting dish, you will need:
4 bone-in pork chops: Choose pork chops that are about 1-inch thick for even cooking and juicy results.
1 cup long-grain rice: Regular long-grain rice works best for this recipe, but you can use brown rice or basmati for a different texture.
4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps to toast the rice, enhancing the flavor.
4 onion slices, sliced into rings: Adds sweetness and a mild sharpness that complements the pork and rice perfectly.
10 ounces beef broth: Infuses the rice with a savory depth of flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the pork chops and rice.
Optional: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for added flavor.
Ingredient Tips
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops provide more flavor and tenderness, but you can use boneless if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Rice: Be sure to use long-grain rice for the best texture. Short-grain or sticky rice may not cook evenly in this casserole.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the salt content. You can substitute with olive oil if desired.
Beef Broth: Choose a low-sodium option to prevent the dish from becoming too salty, and consider adding a splash of white wine or apple juice for added depth.
Instructions Outline
Here’s how to make Pork Chops & Rice Casserole step-by-step:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Rice: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the rice and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until it’s lightly toasted and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor and helps the rice absorb the broth more effectively.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the toasted rice evenly in a greased casserole dish. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, then place them on top of the rice. Arrange the onion rings over the pork chops. Sprinkle with additional pepper if desired.
Add the Liquid: Pour the beef broth over the rice, followed by 2/3 cup of water. Make sure the liquid covers the rice completely to ensure even cooking.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the pork chops are cooked through.
Finish Under the Broiler: To achieve a golden-brown color on the pork chops, remove the foil and broil the casserole for a few minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Serve: Serve the pork chops over a bed of rice and onions, spooning some of the flavorful juices over the top.
Serving Suggestions
This Pork Chops & Rice Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:
Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for added color, texture, and nutrition.
Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and juices from the casserole.
Apple Sauce: A classic pairing with pork chops that adds a touch of sweetness and balances the savory flavors.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Cool the casserole completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
Here are some creative ways to customize your Pork Chops & Rice Casserole:
Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, layer some thinly sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots over the rice before adding the pork chops.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Use Different Broths: Experiment with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a combination for a different flavor profile.
Cheesy Variation: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese over the rice before adding the pork chops for a cheesy twist.
Final Note
This Pork Chops & Rice Casserole is a wonderful blend of comforting flavors and textures that makes for a delicious and easy meal. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. The simplicity and versatility of this dish allow you to make it your own with a few tweaks and adjustments.
Gather your loved ones around the table, serve up this satisfying casserole, and enjoy the delicious flavors that will keep everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!
Pork Chops & Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 onion slices cut into rings
- 10 ounces beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ⅔ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté rice for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Spread rice evenly in a casserole dish.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper, then place them on top of the rice.
- Lay onion rings over the pork chops and sprinkle with additional pepper.
- Pour beef broth over the rice and pork chops, adding around ⅔ cup water to ensure rice stays moist.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil or a lid. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the pork chops are cooked through.
- Check halfway through baking, adding more broth if necessary. For extra browning, uncover and broil for the last few minutes.
Notes
- Serve hot, with the pork chops on top of the rice and onions, spooning any remaining juices over the dish.
- Pair with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. Feel free to add mushrooms, garlic, or herbs to the rice for additional flavor.