Pork Chops And Rice For Slow Cooker
A hearty slow cooker dish featuring tender pork chops topped with rice and mushrooms in a savory tomato sauce, enhanced with chili powder for a touch of heat. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting meal combines rich flavors and easy preparation for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork chops in a skillet or oven-safe pan.
- Place one tablespoon of dry rice and drained mushroom slices on each pork chop.
- Mix tomato puree or tomato sauce with water, salt, pepper, and chili powder if using.
- Pour the mixture over the pork chops and rice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook until rice is tender and pork is well done, approximately 2 hours in a slow cooker.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in your favorite spice blend for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the dry rice with quinoa or couscous for a different texture. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Vegetable Salad(Very Good) for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork chops and rice hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This dish pairs well with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Ranch Potatoes for a hearty comfort food experience. For a more robust flavor, add some chili flakes to the sauce before cooking.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pork chops and rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the mixture, cover, and microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chops And Rice For Slow Cooker contains roughly 325 calories, with 28g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1006mg per serving (44% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used instead of bone-in chops. Just be mindful of the cooking time as boneless chops may cook faster. Ensure that they reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safety.
What can I do if I don’t have tomato puree?
If you don't have tomato puree, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or even tomato soup for a different flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning to balance the sweetness if using soup.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or green beans can enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor. Just add them to the slow cooker along with the pork chops and sauce for a complete one-pot 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).