Italian Style Pork Chops
Italian-style pork chops baked with rice, vegetables, and stewed tomatoes create a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash pork chops and pat dry.
- Season pork chops with garlic powder and McCormick Season Salt.
- Place uncooked rice in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Place seasoned pork chops on top of the rice.
- Top with sliced yellow onion and sliced green pepper.
- Mince garlic and distribute over the onion and green pepper.
- Add 2 to 2 1/2 cups of water to the pan.
- Cover with foil and bake at 400°F for about 1 hour.
- Remove foil from the pan.
- Stir in the can of Italian-style stewed tomatoes.
- Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For more flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in Italian dressing for a few hours before seasoning. You can swap long grain rice for brown rice, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. Adding some Italian herbs like oregano or basil can enhance the dish. If you prefer a smoky flavor, try adding some diced smoked sausage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Italian Style Pork Chops with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Garlic Bread or even a side of Fettuccine With Ham for a hearty feast. A glass of red wine would complement the flavors nicely, making it a perfect dinner option for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chops and rice in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Style Pork Chops contains roughly 527 calories, with 15g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 700mg per serving (30% 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, you can use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in. Just be mindful that boneless chops may cook faster, so check for doneness a bit earlier to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for the Italian stewed tomatoes?
If you don't have Italian stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning or even crushed tomatoes can work well. Just add a bit of extra seasoning to match the flavor profile.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this dish in a slow cooker, layer the rice, pork chops, veggies, and tomatoes, then add the water. 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).