Southwest Pork Chops
Juicy pork chops simmered in a flavorful Southwest-inspired tomato sauce with spices and vegetables, perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal with bold tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork chops in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Place the browned pork chops in a roasting pan.
- Combine remaining ingredients: water, tomatoes, onion, parsley, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, pepper, and sugar.
- Pour the mixture over the pork chops in the roasting pan.
- Cover and bake slowly at 350°F until the meat is very tender and falling off the bone, checking often.
- Add additional water if needed to maintain sauce consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and cumin for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies can work as a substitute. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference. For a slightly sweet finish, try adding a touch of honey instead of sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southwest Pork Chops over a bed of Garden Spanish Rice for a complete meal. Pair with a fresh salad or tortilla rolls for a delightful crunch. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top adds a creamy contrast to the dish. This recipe is great for family dinners or meal prep.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops in a baking dish with a splash of water, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. This helps maintain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Pork Chops contains roughly 990 calories, with 4g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. It also contributes 7g 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 than bone-in chops. Keep an eye on them while baking to ensure they don't dry out. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, checking for tenderness.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted based on the amount of chili powder used. For a mild version, reduce the chili powder, or substitute with a milder seasoning. If you enjoy heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the pork chops, transfer them to a slow cooker and add the sauce mixture. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender and flavorful. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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).