Pork-Rice Casserole
A hearty pork and rice casserole with savory tomatoes and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy to prepare in one dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork chops in a skillet, seasoning with paprika, celery flakes, and pepper to taste.
- Arrange the browned pork chops in a single layer in an 8 x 8-inch shallow baking dish.
- Combine the canned tomatoes, water, uncooked rice, and chopped onion.
- Pour the mixture over the pork chops, covering them completely.
- Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the pork is cooked through.
- After two-thirds of the cooking time, check the rice and add a little more water if it needs more moisture.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before browning. You can substitute brown rice for white rice for a nuttier flavor and a healthier option, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you want to enhance the dish, add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the tomato mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork-rice casserole with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Festive Green Pea Salad or roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. For a heartier option, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pork-rice casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork-Rice Casserole contains roughly 226 calories, with 5g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (124% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. It also contributes 6g 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 different cuts of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pork loin or even pork tenderloin if you prefer. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted as needed, as different cuts may vary in tenderness and cooking duration.
Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?
If you don’t have canned tomatoes on hand, fresh diced tomatoes or even tomato sauce can be used as a substitute. Adjust the water accordingly if using tomato sauce, as it may be thicker than diced tomatoes.
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).