If you’re searching for a satisfying, comforting dinner that brings together hearty flavors and effortless cooking, look no further than this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s a wonderful one-dish meal where tender, juicy pork chops cozy up on a bed of creamy, flavorful rice, all baked together for that perfect homey touch. This recipe strikes a beautiful balance of savory mushroom soup, a hint of onion seasoning, and subtle herbs, making it a weeknight winner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role in building its rich flavor and inviting texture. From the creamy mushroom soup to the fragrant spices, everything is simple yet essential for that comforting dish you’ll love serving on any occasion.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces): Adds creamy richness and a deep, earthy flavor that coats the rice beautifully.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Imparts savory depth that enhances the rice and keeps it moist during baking.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice (1 cup): Provides a fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious juices from the pork and seasonings.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle kick that complements the meat and adds warmth to the rice.
- Dried chives (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a mild oniony note that lifts the overall flavor profile gently.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the savory elements without overpowering the dish.
- Pork chops (4 thick-cut, bone-in or boneless): The star protein, tender and juicy after baking atop the rice.
- Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix (1 ounce packet): A flavorful seasoning blend that gives the pork chops an irresistible savory crust.
How to Make Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which sets the perfect temperature for slow, even cooking. Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Rice Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, garlic powder, dried chives, and onion powder until smooth. This luscious mixture is the foundation of your casserole, promising a tender, flavorful rice that will soak up all the savory goodness during baking.
Step 3: Arrange Pork Chops on Top of Rice
Pat your pork chops dry with paper towels to help them brown evenly and resist steaming. Then place the chops gently on top of the rice, spacing them out so each piece cooks perfectly and is beautifully presented once done.
Step 4: Season the Pork Chops
Sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix evenly over the pork chops. This seasoning mix delivers that signature savory onion punch and depth that makes this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe so crave-worthy. For a lighter touch, feel free to use half the packet—you’ll still get fantastic flavor.
Step 5: Bake Covered for Juicy Pork
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for around 30 minutes. This slow bake cooks the pork chops gently, sealing in juiciness while the rice begins to absorb all those rich flavors.
Step 6: Check Pork Temperature and Rest
After about 30 minutes, check the pork chops’ internal temperature—it should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for safe, juicy results. Once cooked through, remove the pork chops carefully, cover with foil, and allow them to rest while the rice finishes cooking.
Step 7: Finish Cooking the Rice
Give the rice mixture a good stir to blend the flavors, then cover and return the dish to the oven. Continue baking for another 25 to 30 minutes until the rice is tender and mostly liquid-free. This second bake ensures the rice is perfectly done and infused with all those savory aromas.
Step 8: Fluff and Serve
When the rice is cooked through, fluff it gently with a fork to release steam and prevent clumping. Serve the tender pork chops alongside or right atop the creamy rice, ready to be garnished and enjoyed.
How to Serve Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make a beautiful garnish for this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe—they add a pop of color and a light, fresh flavor that balances the richness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes can also add a subtle hint of spice if you like.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with crisp green vegetables such as steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple garden salad adds freshness and texture contrasts that round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve individual portions by slicing the pork chops and plating them elegantly beside a scoop of the creamy rice. Add a drizzle of pan juices or a light gravy for extra indulgence. Using colorful dinnerware or rustic wooden boards can elevate the comfort food feel even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal just as tasty, if not better!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Transfer leftovers into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a great option for meal prep or busy nights when you want something homemade but hassle-free.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) covered with foil until heated through, or microwave portions until hot, stirring midway to heat evenly. Adding a splash of broth can revive the creamy texture if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Absolutely! Both bone-in and boneless pork chops work well. Bone-in chops tend to stay juicier, but boneless chops can cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
Can I substitute other types of rice?
While long-grain white rice is recommended for its texture and cooking time, you can experiment with other types like jasmine or basmati. Just remember that cooking times and liquid amounts might vary slightly.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free or homemade mushroom soup to keep the dish creamy without dairy. Simply ensure it’s condensed to match the thickness needed for the rice to cook properly.
How do I know when the pork chops are done?
The safest and most accurate method is to use a meat thermometer. Pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), after which you let them rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can absolutely assemble the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
This Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort food to your table with ease and flavor. Whether you’re feeding your family or inviting friends over, its simple ingredients and foolproof method make it a staple worth keeping in your recipe arsenal. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Pork Chops and Rice Casserole combines tender pork chops baked atop a flavorful mushroom and beef broth-infused rice mixture, seasoned with onion soup mix for an easy, hearty one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 thick-cut pork chops (bone-in or boneless, per preference)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix or other seasoning blend
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked long-grain white rice, garlic powder, dried chives, and onion powder until well blended. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to promote even cooking and a good sear. Place them on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish, spacing them evenly.
- Season the Pork Chops: Sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix or your preferred seasoning evenly over the pork chops. If you prefer a milder onion flavor or want to reduce sodium intake, use half of the seasoning packet instead.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After this time, check that the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the casserole, cover them loosely with foil, and set aside to rest.
- Finish Cooking the Rice: Give the rice mixture a good stir to combine flavors. Re-cover the dish with foil and continue baking for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Serve and Garnish: Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. Plate the rice alongside the pork chops and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use bone-in pork chops for more flavor or boneless for easier serving; cooking time remains about the same.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium beef broth and only half the onion soup mix packet.
- Letting the pork chops rest after baking helps keep them juicy and tender.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried parsley or basil can be used as garnish.
- Ensure the pork chops reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for proper food safety.
