This Pork Chop Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that brings comfort to your table. It features juicy pork chops, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce to tie everything together!
Honestly, it’s such an easy way to feed a crowd, and my family devours it every time. I love serving it with a simple salad on the side—dinner sorted in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops give extra flavor and moisture. If you prefer boneless, they can work too! Just check the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Rice: Long grain white rice is a favorite here, but you can swap it with brown rice for more fiber. If you’re short on rice, quinoa could be a good alternative, just adjust the liquid ratios.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess! You can use Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or even cream cheese, which will make the sauce richer.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If mushrooms aren’t your thing, you can use cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce. Both will work just as well.
Fresh Herbs: Dried thyme is great, but I sometimes use Italian seasoning if that’s on hand. Fresh parsley at the end really brightens up the dish!
How Do I Get My Pork Chops Perfectly Browned?
Browning your pork chops adds a ton of flavor! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil. A hot surface helps achieve that nice crust.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan! Give each chop some space so they brown nicely, not steam.
- Only flip them once halfway through cooking. This way, they’ll get a great golden color on each side.
How to Make Pork Chop Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Estimate:
This delicious Pork Chop Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You will then need to bake it for about 1 hour and 10-15 minutes total, so plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy this hearty dish from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Ingredients:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients so you can easily access them while cooking. This will make the process smoother!
2. Searing the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season your pork chops with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder on both sides. When the skillet is hot, add the seasoned pork chops and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sautéing Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they turn translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell the garlic aroma. This adds great flavor to your casserole!
4. Making the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture will be the sauce for your casserole!
5. Assembling the Casserole:
Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the creamy sour cream mixture over the rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Finally, place the seared pork chops on top of the rice and sauce mixture.
6. Baking the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake it for 1 hour. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the pork chops are cooked through, and the sauce is bubbling. This step helps to create a nice golden color on the top!
7. Finishing Touches:
Once your casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color! Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Pork Chop Casserole!
Consider pairing this dish with a light salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work just fine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as boneless chops may cook faster than bone-in ones. Start checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No worries! If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with any cream soup you prefer, such as cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce. Just keep the creamy texture in mind!
How Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions, increasing the time slightly as it might need a bit longer to cook from cold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it slowly in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry to keep it moist!
