Pork Chop Spanish Rice(One Skillet Meal)
A savory one-skillet meal featuring tender pork chops, seasoned rice, and vibrant green peppers, perfect for a hearty, flavorful dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim fat from pork chops.
- Brown pork chops in salad oil for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Mix salt and chili powder.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chops.
- Add uncooked long grain rice, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper to the skillet.
- Pour tomatoes over the mixture.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add green pepper rings and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until rice and meat are tender.
- Sprinkle with cheese and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the pork chops in a mixture of lime juice and garlic for an hour before cooking. If you prefer a bit of heat, add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture. You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. Use vegetable oil or olive oil instead of salad oil if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican Salsa Chilli Dish or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with warm tortillas or a side of guacamole. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top can add a nice touch. Enjoy with chilled beverages like margaritas or iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, and cover until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave portions on medium power, stirring occasionally until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chop Spanish Rice(One Skillet Meal) contains roughly 397 calories, with 15g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2111mg per serving (92% 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 bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?
Yes, bone-in pork chops can be used, but they may require a longer cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. The bone can add extra flavor to the dish, making it even more delicious.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
You can use diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or even fresh tomatoes if you prefer. If using fresh tomatoes, about 3-4 medium-sized tomatoes should suffice. Adjust the seasoning if using low-sodium or no-salt-added tomatoes.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the pork chops with your favorite plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add beans for extra protein and flavor, making it a hearty vegetarian meal.
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).