This Pork Chop Casserole is a warm and hearty dish that combines juicy pork chops with creamy soup and tender vegetables. It’s an easy one-pan meal!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself? Just layer the ingredients in a dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. It’s perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops add flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless pork chops work well, too. Just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster.
Onion: A small onion is great for flavor, but if you need a substitute, shallots or leeks can offer a milder taste. If you want to skip it altogether, garlic can still give you a nice base flavor!
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms are best for texture, but you can use canned mushrooms if needed. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, try bell peppers or zucchini for a different twist.
Rice: Long-grain rice is perfect here. If you want a quicker option, minute rice will work too, but reduce cooking time according to package instructions. For a healthier choice, brown rice can be used—though it may require a little extra broth.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you prefer homemade, a mix of cream and sautéed mushrooms works great. For dairy-free, consider coconut cream or a vegan cream soup. You can also use cream of chicken, just be aware of the flavor shift.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Stay Juicy?
Sear your pork chops before they go into the oven. This step locks in moisture and gives a lovely crust. Here’s how:
- Heat the skillet until hot, then add oil and let it shimmer.
- Cook the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove them and let them rest while preparing the casserole. This keeps the juices in!
Also, covering the dish with foil while baking helps keep the moisture locked in, preventing dry pork. You can uncover it at the end for a few minutes to get that nice crisp on top!
Pork Chop Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 3/4 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pork Chop Casserole requires about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus 50 minutes of baking time in the oven. Overall, you’ll be looking at about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready once your casserole is assembled.
2. Season the Pork Chops:
Generously season both sides of the pork chops with salt and black pepper. This adds flavor from the start!
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. When done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes until they are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
5. Mix the Rice:
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet. Stir it well to coat with the mushroom and onion mixture. This helps the rice absorb all those great flavors!
6. Combine the Broth and Soup:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, and the dried thyme or rosemary if you’re using it.
7. Assemble the Casserole:
Lightly grease a casserole dish. Spread the rice mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Then pour the soup and broth mixture over the rice without stirring it, followed by placing the seared pork chops on top.
8. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and the pork to become tender. Ensure the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
9. Crisp the Pork Chops:
After baking, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will give the pork chops a nice brown crust.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty Pork Chop Casserole!
This dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or to impress guests with minimal effort. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work just fine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How Can I Make This Casserole Cheesy?
If you love cheese, feel free to mix in about a cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) either into the rice mixture or sprinkle it on top towards the end of baking. Just keep it uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to let it melt and brown a bit.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure everything is heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or milk can help revive the rice’s moisture during reheating!