Pork Chops Ragu
Juicy pork chops simmered in flavorful Ragu sauce, perfect for hearty, comforting meals with a rich tomato-based taste that pairs well with fresh garden salads.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a large skillet with Pam.
- Add the olive oil and let it warm.
- Add the pork chops and sprinkle with parsley flakes, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Brown the chops until lightly browned on medium-high heat.
- Pour off all excess grease after browning.
- Put the chops back into the skillet and pour Ragu sauce over them.
- Cover the pan and cook on low heat for approximately 2 hours or until tender.
- Serve with a garden salad of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and black olives, dressed with Italian salad dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the Ragu sauce with any marinara or homemade sauce that you prefer. If you want a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while it cooks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pork Chops Ragu over a bed of pasta for a heartier meal, or alongside a garden salad of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and black olives dressed with Italian salad dressing. This dish pairs beautifully with Antipasto Rice Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pork Chops Ragu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chops and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover and heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chops Ragu contains roughly 363 calories, with 11g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 for this recipe?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used, but they may cook faster, so check for tenderness after about an hour of cooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed to prevent overcooking.
What can I serve with Pork Chops Ragu?
Besides a garden salad, you can serve this dish with crusty bread or over polenta for a filling meal. It also goes well with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a balanced plate.
Is it possible to cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the pork chops in a skillet first, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the Ragu sauce and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
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).