There’s nothing quite like a comforting, home-style meal to bring everyone together, especially after a long day. This Pork Chop Casserole delivers on that promise beautifully. It’s an incredibly easy, delightful dump-and-bake recipe, minimizing fuss while maximizing flavor. You’ll love the tender pork chops nestled atop perfectly cooked rice, all bathed in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a truly satisfying dish that quickly becomes a beloved family favorite, creating wonderful memories around the dinner table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pork Chop Casserole
This simple Pork Chop Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a moment of connection and ease for your busy life. Here’s why it will quickly earn a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Effortless One-Pan Meal: Everything bakes together in a single dish, saving you precious time and effort in the kitchen.
- Minimal Cleanup Required: With just one baking dish to wash, you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your evening.
- Comfort Food at its Best: This casserole wraps you in a warm hug of creamy, savory goodness, perfect for any occasion.
- Customizable to Taste: Easily adjust seasonings or add your favorite vegetables to make this dish uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: It requires minimal hands-on time, making it an ideal choice when you need a hearty, delicious dinner fast.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Pork Chop Casserole. Each component plays a vital role in building its rich, comforting flavor profile. You will need:
- 8 boneless pork chops: Thick-cut chops offer the best juiciness and texture for slow baking.
- (2) 10.5 ounce cans cream of mushroom soup: The foundation for a creamy, savory sauce.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Adds liquid for the rice and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 ½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice: Forms the hearty base of our casserole.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: Infuses the dish with a savory, aromatic depth.
- Salt and black pepper: To season the pork chops generously, enhancing their natural taste.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a touch of color and freshness before serving.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this versatile recipe to fit your pantry and preferences, ensuring this easy Pork Chop Casserole always feels like your own. Feel empowered to make it work for you!
- Condensed Soups: Feel free to swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken, celery, or even cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor profile.
- Bone-In Chops: You can absolutely use bone-in pork chops! Just increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes, or until the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) and the rice is tender.
- Brown Rice: If you prefer brown rice, use it! It will require an extra ½ cup of chicken broth and about 30-40 minutes more baking time to cook through completely.
- Onion Soup Mix Alternatives: For a homemade touch, combine 2 tablespoons dried minced onion, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, and ¼ teaspoon celery salt.
- Seasoning: Beyond salt and pepper, consider a sprinkle of paprika, a dash of garlic powder, or a pinch of dried thyme on your pork chops for added flavor complexity.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes cooking a breeze and ensures your Pork Chop Casserole comes out perfectly every time. You won’t need much, just a few kitchen essentials.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: The ideal size for holding all your ingredients and allowing even cooking.
- Aluminum foil: Essential for covering the dish tightly, trapping steam to cook the rice and keep the pork tender.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients for the best results.
How To Make Pork Chop Casserole
Creating this comforting Pork Chop Casserole is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll soon have a wonderfully satisfying meal ready to share with your loved ones. Take your time, enjoy the process, and soon you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal that tastes like pure comfort.
- Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Dish.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This small step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup even easier later. Preparing your workspace ahead sets you up for success. - Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients.
In the prepared baking dish, pour in both cans of cream of mushroom soup. Whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Next, stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice. Finally, sprinkle in the entire packet of onion soup mix and stir everything thoroughly. Make sure the rice is fully submerged and evenly distributed throughout the liquid. This forms the flavorful bed for your pork. - Step 3: Season & Arrange Pork Chops.
Take your boneless pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps seasonings adhere better and encourages a nice texture. Season both sides of each pork chop generously with salt and black pepper. Now, carefully arrange the seasoned pork chops in a single, even layer over the rice mixture in the baking dish. Don’t overcrowd them; ensure each chop has a little space. - Step 4: Bake Casserole.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Creating a good seal is crucial as it traps steam, allowing the rice to cook perfectly and the pork chops to remain incredibly tender. Place the covered dish into your preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Resist the urge to peek during the cooking process to maintain that vital steam. - Step 5: Rest & Serve.
Once the baking time is complete, carefully remove the Pork Chop Casserole from the oven. Keep it covered with the foil and let it rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and helps the pork chops reabsorb their juices, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor. Before serving, you can garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, adding a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful family meal.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Creating the perfect Pork Chop Casserole is simple with a few helpful hints. These tips will ensure juicy pork and tender rice every time, helping you build confidence in the kitchen.
- Thicker Chops: Always opt for thicker boneless pork chops for the juiciest results; they hold up better during the longer baking time.
- Broth Not Water: Do not substitute water for chicken broth, as the broth adds a crucial layer of flavor to your rice base.
- Seal the Foil: Ensure your aluminum foil cover is completely sealed around the baking dish to trap steam, which is essential for cooking the rice evenly.
- Rice Doneness: If your rice seems a little too firm after 90 minutes, add a splash more broth, reseal, and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
- Resting Period: Always allow the casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking; this helps the flavors meld and the pork become more tender.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the baking dish with too many pork chops; leave space for even cooking.
- Check Temperature: For food safety, always ensure the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C) before serving.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile Pork Chop Casserole is wonderful as is, but it also welcomes your personal touch. From complementary sides to smart storage tips and creative variations, you can make this meal your own.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Pork Chop Casserole by pairing it with simple, fresh sides that complement its rich flavors.
- Serve alongside crisp, steamed green beans for a pop of color and freshness.
- Offer roasted broccolini, its slight bitterness balancing the casserole’s creamy richness.
- A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Crusty bread or warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of delicious sauce.
Storage
Leftovers of this comforting Pork Chop Casserole are just as delicious, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Refrigerate any leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm larger portions covered in the oven until heated through.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to experiment and customize your Pork Chop Casserole to suit your family’s tastes.
- Add a layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking for a bubbly, cheesy top.
- Stir in diced vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or carrots with the rice for added nutrients and color.
- Experiment with other condensed cream soups, such as cream of chicken, for a different flavor base.
- Try using bone-in pork chops, simply adjusting the cooking time slightly longer to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice for a nuttier flavor and chewier texture; remember to add extra liquid and extend baking time.
Nutrition
This Pork Chop Casserole offers a hearty meal, providing a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. Eating meals you prepare at home helps you understand exactly what nourishes your family.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 476 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Protein | 43 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 122 mg |
| Sodium | 981 mg |
| Potassium | 794 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 10 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 mg |
| Calcium | 39 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 6 servings. Individual results may vary depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods. We recommend calculating independently for precise values.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You might have a few questions as you embark on making this comforting Pork Chop Casserole. Here are some common queries to guide you.
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes, you can! Just be aware that cooking time will likely increase by 15-20 minutes to ensure the chops are fully cooked and tender.
What kind of rice is best for this casserole?
Long-grain white rice is recommended because it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors beautifully, creating a perfect base for this Pork Chop Casserole.
Can I make this pork chop casserole ahead of time?
You can prep the wet ingredients and rice mixture separately, and season the pork chops. Assemble the entire casserole just before baking for the best texture and results.
Why is my rice still hard or mushy?
Hard rice often means the foil seal wasn’t tight enough, allowing steam to escape, or the liquid ratio was off. Mushy rice might indicate too much liquid or overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty & Easy Pork Chop Casserole truly embodies the joy of simple cooking, bringing deliciousness and warmth to your family table with minimal effort. It’s a dish that honors classic comfort food while fitting perfectly into modern, busy lives. I encourage you to try this incredibly satisfying meal, letting its familiar flavors create new, cherished memories in your home. We love hearing from you; please share your experience and rate this recipe in the comments below!
Hearty & Easy Pork Chop Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In the baking dish, combine cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, rice, and onion soup mix.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides, then arrange them over the rice mixture.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
