Savor the homely goodness of Pork Chops & Rice Casserole, a comforting bake featuring pork chops, long grain white rice, and a creamy mushroom soup base. Seasoned with garlic, chives, and onion powder, this dish promises a hassle-free dinner with just 10 minutes of prep.
Remembering the warmth of my grandmother's kitchen, the Pork Chops & Rice Casserole recipe brings back cherished memories. It was the dish she'd prepare when she wanted to impart a slice of comfort and love. Each pork chop, nestled atop fragrant rice, was like a hug on a plate. This recipe, passed down through generations, holds stories of laughter, shared meals, and the simple joy of family gatherings. It's more than just a meal; it's a tradition that warms the heart as much as it satisfies the appetite.
Why You'll Love This Pork Chops & Rice Casserole
This Pork Chops & Rice Casserole stands out for its simplicity and soul-satisfying flavors.
- It's a one-dish wonder that minimizes kitchen mess and maximizes comfort.
- The use of common pantry staples makes it accessible, while the blend of garlic, chives, and onion powder offers a subtle complexity that elevates the dish beyond its humble ingredients.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this casserole is a testament to the beauty of simple, hearty meals.
Ingredients Notes
Diving into the Pork Chops & Rice Casserole, we're met with an array of simple yet impactful ingredients. At its heart, condensed cream of mushroom soup creates a rich, creamy base, effortlessly adding depth and umami. The beef broth enriches the rice, infusing it with a robust flavor, while the long grain white rice promises a tender, fluffy bed for the pork chops. Seasonings like garlic powder, dried chives, and onion powder introduce a gentle complexity, harmonizing beautifully with the savory pork. The optional garnish of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a fresh finish that brightens the entire dish. This casserole is a testament to how pantry staples can come together to create a comforting, flavorful meal.
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How To Make Pork Chops & Rice Casserole
Embarking on the Pork Chops & Rice Casserole journey begins with a mere 10 minutes of prep, transforming simple ingredients into a delectable feast. Let's break down the process into digestible steps, ensuring your culinary adventure is both enjoyable and foolproof.
- Preheat and Prepare: Kickstart your culinary quest by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F. A quick spritz of cooking spray on your 9 x 13-inch baking dish ensures nothing sticks, setting the stage for a flawless casserole.
- Mix the Magic: Whisk together the mushroom soup, beef broth, rice, and a trio of seasonings until they're well acquainted. This mixture then finds its home in your prepared dish, ready to cradle the pork chops in a creamy embrace.
- Pork Chop Placement: Dry the pork chops with care, laying them atop their rice bed. A sprinkle of onion soup mix introduces a savory note, customizable to your palate's preference. This step marries the flavors, promising a harmonious dish.
- Bake and Behold: Cover your culinary creation and bake for 30 minutes. A mid-way check allows for adjustment, ensuring your pork chops are just right. After setting the chops aside, give the rice a stir and return it to the oven until it's tender and inviting.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the rice is perfectly cooked, fluff it with a fork and reunite it with the pork chops. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a final touch of freshness, elevating your dish from homey to heavenly.
Storage Options
Our delightful Pork Chops & Rice Casserole isn't just a one-night wonder; it's a gift that keeps on giving. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring the flavors meld and mature. For those looking ahead, freezing is a fantastic option. Simply portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers, and you've got a homemade meal ready to reheat and relish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and it's like you've taken a trip back to the day you first made it.
Variations and Substitutions
This Pork Chops & Rice Casserole is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ideas to shake things up:
- Different Soups: Swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or celery for a new flavor profile.
- Veggie Boost: Add some diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the rice mixture for extra nutrition and color.
- Cheese, Please: Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top in the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, cheesy twist.
- Spice It Up: If you're a fan of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the rice mixture.
- Protein Swap: Not a pork fan? Chicken thighs or breasts make great substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Pork Chops & Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- One 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup undiluted
- Two cups of beef broth
- One cup of uncooked long grain white rice
- One-quarter teaspoon of garlic powder
- One-quarter teaspoon of dried chives
- One-quarter teaspoon of onion powder
- Four thick-cut pork chops either bone-in or boneless
- One 1-ounce packet of Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix or alternative seasoning, as desired
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked long grain white rice, garlic powder, dried chives, and onion powder. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and place them on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix over the pork chops. If a less intense onion flavor or reduced salt content is preferred, consider using only a portion of the seasoning packet.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After this time, check the pork chops for doneness. They should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If they are cooked through, remove the pork chops from the dish, cover them with foil, and set them aside to rest.
- Stir the rice mixture and cover the dish again. Return it to the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and serve it alongside the pork chops. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
