Atlanta Pork Chops And Rice
Juicy pork chops simmered in a savory tomato sauce with rice and vegetables, offering hearty comfort and bold flavors perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the pork chops in hot vegetable oil over medium heat; remove chops and set aside.
- Add chopped celery, onion, and green pepper to the skillet; cook lightly until tender.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in tomato sauce, water, brown sugar, salt, and basil.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 30 minutes until the pork is cooked through and flavors meld.
- Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking. If you don't have fresh vegetables, frozen mixed vegetables work well as a substitute. You can also swap out the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork chops over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Rice And Sausage Dressing for a hearty family dinner or potluck. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet on low heat to gently warm the pork chops and rice, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave the dish, covered, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Atlanta Pork Chops And Rice contains roughly 391 calories, with 29g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1981mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used in place of bone-in chops. Just reduce the cooking time slightly, as boneless chops generally cook faster. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes as a substitute. Just blend them slightly for a smoother consistency. You may need to adjust the seasoning to balance the acidity.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this dish in a slow cooker, brown the pork chops first, then place them in the slow cooker with the sautéed vegetables and sauce. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).