Lisa'S Pork Chop Casserole
A comforting casserole featuring tender pork chops, creamy soups, and crispy Ritz crackers, perfect for family dinners and hearty gatherings with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Salt and pepper the pork chops to taste.
- Put rice in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Mix the water with the cream of chicken and mushroom soups.
- Pour the soup mixture over the rice.
- Melt the butter. Dip the pork chops in the melted butter, then roll them in crushed Ritz crackers.
- Lay the coated pork chops on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, try using different types of soup, such as cream of celery or adding spices like paprika for extra flavor. You can substitute pork chops with chicken thighs for a different protein. If you want a crunchier topping, consider mixing the crushed Ritz crackers with some grated Parmesan cheese before coating the pork chops.
Serving Suggestions
This pork chop casserole is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad like Chicken, Tomato, Onion Salad for a balanced meal. A light dessert, such as fruit salad, can round out the meal nicely. Consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions; just cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lisa'S Pork Chop Casserole contains roughly 891 calories, with 38g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (75% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1454mg per serving (63% 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 white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Be sure to adjust the amount of liquid as brown rice typically needs more water. Cooking it partially before adding to the casserole can help ensure it's fully cooked by the time the pork chops are done.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?
If you don't have Ritz crackers, you can use any buttery cracker or even panko breadcrumbs for a different texture. Crushed potato chips or even crushed cornflakes can work as substitutes, adding their unique flavors to the dish.
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).