Barbecued Pork Chops And Rice
Juicy pork chops with smoky barbecue seasoning served over flavorful rice and vegetables, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or hearty family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chopped onion, celery, and green pepper in a 3-quart casserole. Cover with wax paper and microwave at high for 2 minutes.
- Add quick cooking rice, instant tomato soup mix, canned tomatoes, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the casserole with the vegetable mixture.
- Sprinkle each pork chop with barbecue seasoning spice.
- Place the seasoned pork chops on top of the rice-tomato mixture.
- Cover with plastic wrap and microwave at high for 5 minutes.
- Rotate the dish 1/4 turn.
- Microwave at medium power for 15 to 20 minutes, until the pork is cooked through.
- Let stand, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in your favorite barbecue sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have instant tomato soup mix, you can use tomato sauce or puree with a bit of sugar and salt. For a healthier option, substitute brown rice for quick cooking rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecued pork chops over the rice-tomato mixture for a hearty meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. This dish also goes well with sides like Aunt Donna's Double Pork Chops or Hot Bacon Potato Salad for a fulfilling dinner. Don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops and rice mixture in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on medium power until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecued Pork Chops And Rice contains roughly 80 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 522mg per serving (23% 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 bone-in pork chops instead of loin chops?
Yes, bone-in pork chops will work well for this recipe. Just be mindful that they may require slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F.
What can I substitute for quick cooking rice?
If you don't have quick cooking rice, you can use regular white rice, but you will need to increase the cooking time. Alternatively, brown rice is a healthier option, but it will also require more time to cook. Be sure to adjust the liquid ratio accordingly.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the vegetable mixture for some heat. Additionally, using a spicy barbecue seasoning will enhance the flavor profile and give it a nice kick.
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).