Pork Chop Meal
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender pork chops layered with fresh vegetables and cooked rice in a savory tomato sauce. This comforting meal combines the sweetness of onions and bell peppers with the richness of pork, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Salt and pepper the pork chops to taste.
- Cook the pork chops quickly in a lightly greased skillet without flour until browned.
- Layer the ingredients in the skillet in the following order: pork chops, onion slices, bell pepper strips or rings, chopped celery, cooked rice, and canned tomatoes with sugar.
- Put the lid on the skillet and simmer for 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before cooking. If you don't have Vidalia onions, any sweet onion will work. To make this dish even heartier, you can substitute brown rice for white rice or add additional vegetables like zucchini or carrots. For a twist, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This pork chop meal pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed green beans for a complete dinner. You can also serve it alongside Easy Breaded Pork Chops for a fun family feast. For a heartier option, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or cornbread 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 pork chop meal in a skillet over low heat, covering it to retain moisture, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the pork.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chop Meal contains roughly 604 calories, with 34g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), protein (68% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1326mg per serving (58% 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 frozen pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork chops, but it's best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking. If you're short on time, you can also use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be cautious not to start cooking the meat.
What can I substitute for canned tomatoes?
If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes, about 4-5 medium-sized, diced. Alternatively, crushed tomatoes or even tomato sauce can work well. Just adjust the sugar to your taste, as canned tomatoes often have added sweetness.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your pork chop meal, consider including sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when layering the ingredients. You can also serve it with a spicy hot sauce on the side to allow guests to customize their heat level.
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).