Nancy Luthy'S Fix And Forget It Pork Chops And Rice
A comforting, easy-to-make pork chop and rice casserole with savory mushroom and vegetable flavors, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals. Simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups quick cooking rice
- 11 oz can corn with sweet peppers ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz can low-fat cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon melted margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups water ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed thyme ⓘ
- 4 pork chops 1/2-inch thick ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fine dry seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine uncooked rice, water, undrained corn with sweet peppers, shredded carrot, dried minced onion, and crushed thyme.
- Bring to a boil.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart rectangular baking dish.
- Trim excess fat from pork chops.
- Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the pork chops on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle seasoned dry bread crumbs over the pork chops.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cream of mushroom soup instead of low-fat. You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you prefer a bit more spice, add some diced jalapeños to the rice mixture. For a fresh flavor, consider adding chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside Overnight Layer Salad for a refreshing contrast. A glass of chilled white wine complements the flavors well and enhances the dining experience. For a heartier option, serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nancy Luthy'S Fix And Forget It Pork Chops And Rice contains roughly 790 calories, with 38g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (98% of the Daily Value), protein (75% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1232mg per serving (54% 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 quick cooking rice?
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time. You'll need to adjust the water amount and baking time to ensure it's fully cooked. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so consider pre-cooking it or increasing the baking duration.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This method helps retain the flavors and texture of the pork and rice.
What can I substitute for pork chops?
If you want a different protein, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be a great substitute. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time as necessary, as chicken may require longer to cook through, while tofu will need less time.
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).