Pork Chops Ol
A hearty dish featuring tender pork chops baked over seasoned rice with green peppers and a flavorful tomato-taco sauce, perfect for family dinners and comforting meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown pork chops on both sides in oil; sprinkle with seasoned salt and pepper.
- In a greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish, combine rice, water, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning.
- Mix well to combine the rice mixture.
- Arrange the browned pork chops over the rice mixture; top with chopped green pepper.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 1/2 hours or until meat juices run clear.
- Uncover the dish and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 5 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in lime juice and garlic for a few hours before browning. If you don't have long-grain rice, you can substitute with jasmine or basmati rice. Consider adding black beans for a heartier dish or using brown rice for a healthier alternative. Season with cayenne pepper for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pork Chops Ol with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. This meal pairs beautifully with Awesome Applesauce Brownies for dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving with cornbread or Old Time Spoon Rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pork Chops Ol in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chops Ol contains roughly 716 calories, with 10g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1596mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops, but reduce the cooking time to about 1 hour to prevent them from drying out. Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer; it should read 145°F for safe consumption.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can use diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes mixed with a bit of water. For a unique twist, try using salsa instead of tomato sauce to add more flavor to the dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice mixture and brown the pork chops a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. This makes it a great dish for meal prep or hosting gatherings.
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).