Fix And Forget Pork Chops And Rice
A hearty one-dish meal featuring tender pork chops, flavorful rice, and vegetables, topped with seasoned bread crumbs—perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups instant rice
- 1 1/3 cups water ⓘ
- 11 oz. can corn with sweet peppers ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, shredded ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced onion ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dry thyme, crushed ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oleo, melted ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the instant rice, water, undrained corn with sweet peppers, shredded carrot, minced onion, and crushed thyme; bring to a boil.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and transfer the mixture to a 2-quart rectangular baking dish.
- Trim the fat from the pork chops and season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the pork chops on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. Cover with foil.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the seasoned bread crumbs with paprika.
- Add the melted oleo to the bread crumb mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Remove the foil from the chops and sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over them.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through and the rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk to the cream of mushroom soup. If you prefer fresh vegetables, diced bell peppers or peas can be substituted for the corn. Adjust the thyme based on your taste; fresh thyme can also be used for a more vibrant flavor. Ensure the pork chops are about 1 inch thick for even cooking. This dish is a great way to use leftover pork from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is excellent served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider pairing it with Hoosier Potato Salad for a hearty side. A light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pork chops and rice. For a cozy meal, serve with fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fix And Forget Pork Chops And Rice contains roughly 684 calories, with 16g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value), and potassium (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2150mg per serving (93% 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 brown rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time, so follow package instructions for best results. This will change the texture and flavor of the dish slightly, making it heartier.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a healthier option or have dietary restrictions, you can make your own cream of mushroom soup using sautéed mushrooms, broth, and a bit of cream or milk. Alternatively, a can of cream of chicken soup works well too. Both options will maintain the creamy texture needed for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice mixture and arrange the pork chops on top, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to cook, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure everything is heated through and cooked properly.
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).