If you are searching for a heartwarming, satisfying meal that fills both your kitchen and your soul with comfort, look no further than this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe. This dish brings together tender pork chops and creamy, flavorful rice in a beautiful baked casserole that’s just bursting with classic taste. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests without stress, the combination of succulent meat, savory mushroom soup, and fragrant seasonings will make this recipe an instant favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and simple fresh ingredients, this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe transforms everyday components into a deliciously memorable meal. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing creaminess, umami, and texture to deliver a truly comforting dish.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces): This provides the creamy, savory base that brings the casserole together with rich, earthy flavors.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Adds a deep, meaty undertone that enhances both the pork and rice as they bake.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice (1 cup): The perfect rice to soak up all the savory juices without becoming mushy.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a subtle warmth and aromatic lift to the rice mixture.
- Dried chives (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle oniony-herbal note that brightens the dish.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances depth and flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Thick-cut pork chops (4 pieces): Bone-in or boneless, these are the stars of the dish, providing juicy, tender protein.
- Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix (1 ounce packet): A secret weapon for layering savory seasoning perfectly atop the pork chops.
How to Make Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A well-prepared baking dish prevents sticking and ensures your casserole comes out beautifully. Spraying a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray is all it takes to set the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Rice Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, garlic powder, dried chives, and onion powder. This mixture is the flavor-packed foundation that will soak the rice and cook it tenderly alongside the pork chops.
Step 3: Layer the Pork Chops
Pat your pork chops dry to encourage even cooking and a better texture. Then, lay them gently over the evenly spread rice mixture in your prepared pan. This step ensures each chop gets its perfect share of flavors as everything bakes.
Step 4: Season Generously
Sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix evenly over the pork chops. This seasoning adds that irresistible punch of onion and herbs. If you prefer a gentler touch or lower sodium, feel free to use half the packet – the choice is yours.
Step 5: Cover and Start Baking
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake for 30 minutes. This helps cook the pork chops through while allowing the rice to start absorbing all the glorious flavors. After this time, check the pork chops’ internal temperature to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Let Pork Chops Rest and Continue Baking Rice
If your pork chops are perfectly cooked, remove them from the dish, cover with foil, and let them rest to retain juiciness. Give the rice mixture a gentle stir to redistribute the flavors, cover again, and return the dish to the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid is mostly soaked up.
Step 7: Fluff and Serve
Carefully fluff the rice with a fork before plating. Place the succulent pork chops alongside or atop your creamy rice, and get ready to enjoy a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
How to Serve Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil provide a delightful pop of color and a hint of brightness, perfectly complementing the richness of the casserole. Sprinkle them on just before serving for a fresh, inviting look.
Side Dishes
While this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe is a satisfying one-dish wonder on its own, it pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or a tangy coleslaw to balance its creamy texture and savory depth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pork chops on a bed of rice directly from the casserole dish family-style. Alternatively, plate individual servings using a ring mold for the rice, topped with a pork chop, adding a drizzle of pan juices or a squeeze of lemon for a restaurant-quality presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pork chops and rice casserole in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the pork tender for easy reheating during the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy comforting leftovers whenever you need a hassle-free meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (163°C), covered with foil to preserve moisture, or use a microwave-safe dish and heat in intervals, stirring the rice occasionally. This way, you avoid drying out the pork chops and keep the rice creamy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops or should I use boneless for this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe?
Both bone-in and boneless pork chops work wonderfully in this dish. Bone-in chops tend to be juicier and add extra flavor during baking, while boneless chops cook a bit faster and are easier to eat—choose based on your preference.
Is it necessary to cover the casserole with foil during baking?
Yes, covering the casserole traps steam, which helps the rice cook evenly and keeps the pork chops moist. Removing the foil too early could result in dry meat and undercooked rice.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade version?
Absolutely! A homemade cream of mushroom soup can be used if you prefer to avoid canned ingredients. Just ensure it is thick enough to help bind and flavor the rice properly.
What can I use instead of Lipton Onion Soup Mix?
If you don’t have Lipton Onion Soup Mix, try using a combination of onion soup seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt to replicate the flavor profile closely.
How do I know when the rice in this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe is fully cooked?
The rice will be tender and most of the liquid absorbed after the final 25-30 minutes of baking. Give it a gentle stir and taste a small spoonful to check texture before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a gem for any home cook wanting a fuss-free yet flavorful dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles. From the creamy rice base to the perfectly seasoned pork chops, every bite feels lovingly homemade. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this comforting classic as much as I do. Go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to love it!
Print
Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pork Chops and Rice Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal featuring tender pork chops baked atop a savory mushroom and onion-flavored rice base. Combining creamy condensed soup, flavorful broth, and aromatic seasonings, this casserole delivers hearty, home-style goodness ideal for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Pork Chops
- 4 thick-cut pork chops (bone-in or boneless, per preference)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix or other seasoning blend
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, garlic powder, dried chives, and onion powder until smooth and fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking. Place them evenly spaced on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
- Season the Pork Chops: Sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix evenly over the pork chops. For a gentler onion flavor or to reduce sodium, use half the seasoning packet.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for about 30 minutes. Check that the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If done, remove the pork chops, keep covered with foil, and set aside to rest.
- Finish Cooking the Rice: Stir the rice mixture gently to blend the flavors. Re-cover the casserole and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Serve and Garnish: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve the rice alongside the pork chops, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Bone-in pork chops add more flavor, but boneless can be used for quicker cooking.
- Check the pork chops’ internal temperature to ensure safe consumption (145°F/63°C).
- Use half the onion soup mix for a lower sodium option or milder taste.
- Resting the pork chops after baking helps retain juices and improves tenderness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated gently.
