Baked Pork & Rice
A hearty baked pork and rice casserole featuring tender pork cutlets, flavorful tomatoes, and seasoned rice, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Salt and pepper the pork cutlets and roll them in flour.
- Brown the floured pork cutlets in shortening in a skillet.
- In a greased casserole dish, combine the tomato juice or chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, uncooked rice, salt, and pepper.
- Place the browned pork cutlets and drippings in the casserole dish on top of the mixture.
- Add sugar to the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork cutlets in a mixture of garlic and herbs before browning. If you don't have tomato juice, using canned diced tomatoes will work well, just ensure to adjust the liquid accordingly. Feel free to substitute the rice with quinoa or another grain for a different texture. This dish is a great introduction to traditional American recipes featuring pork.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad to balance the flavors. A crusty bread or garlic bread complements the meal nicely, allowing you to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Tomato Pork Chops for a hearty pork-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave portions, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Pork & Rice contains roughly 753 calories, with 14g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1506mg per serving (65% 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 other types of meat instead of pork cutlets?
Yes, you can substitute pork cutlets with chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken may require less time to cook through. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of sugar in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use sugar, consider alternatives like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the quantity to taste. You could also omit it entirely if you want a savory dish, but a touch of sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
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).