I’ll show you how to create a pork chop casserole that’s become my go-to comfort meal when life gets hectic. You’ll brown seasoned pork chops in a skillet, layer them over rice with fresh tomatoes and bell peppers, then pour consommé over everything before baking, covered, at 350°F for an hour. It’s perfect for meal prep, feeds a crowd, and somehow tastes even better the next day. Stick around to discover my secret tips that’ll elevate this simple dish.
Why You Will Love This Casserole At Lunchtime (or Dinner)
Envision this: you’re staring into your fridge at 11:30 AM, wondering what magical combination of ingredients will transform into something actually edible for lunch. Enter this pork chop casserole—your culinary superhero. I’ll tell you why this dish works brilliantly for midday meals: it’s fundamentally a complete meal disguised as comfort food.
You’ve got protein from tender pork chops, carbs from rice that soaks up all those savory juices, and vegetables for nutritional street cred. Plus, it’s fancy enough for dinner guests yet simple enough that you won’t question your life choices while making it. Unlike lighter Mediterranean options, this hearty casserole can be prepared in advance for meal prep convenience, making it perfect for those busy weekdays when you need something substantial and satisfying.
Pork Chop Casserole Recipe
Pork Chop Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add the fat. Brown the pork chops on both sides until they develop a golden crust, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In a greased casserole dish, spread the rice evenly across the bottom to create a base layer.
- Place the browned pork chops on top of the rice. Top each chop with a slice of tomato and a slice of bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the consommé around the casserole, ensuring it seeps into the rice. Sprinkle marjoram and thyme over the top.
- Cover the casserole tightly and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for one hour, until the rice is tender and the pork chops are cooked through.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!
This comforting pork chop casserole combines tender chops, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables into one satisfying dish that takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare and cooks for about an hour in the oven. There’s something magical about layered casseroles, isn’t there? All those flavors mingle together while you sit back and let the oven do the work.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays its part. We’re browning the chops first for a golden crust, then layering rice, vegetables, and herbs to create a complete meal in one dish. The consommé keeps everything moist while the herbs add that perfect aromatic touch.
Tips:
Ensure your oven is fully preheated before adding the casserole, and resist the urge to peek too often, as lifting the cover lets precious steam escape. You can substitute chicken broth for consommé if that’s what you have on hand, and feel free to swap in your favorite herbs if marjoram isn’t in your spice cabinet. The key is getting those chops nicely browned first, so don’t rush that step. This hearty casserole also makes excellent portions for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade comfort food throughout your busy week.
Helpful Tips
When you’re juggling dinner prep and life’s endless distractions, this pork chop casserole becomes your secret weapon for stress-free cooking. I’ve learned that browning those chops properly makes all the difference—don’t rush this step, even when hungry kids are circling like vultures. Use long-grain rice for best results; it won’t turn mushy during that hour-long bake. If your consommé seems too salty, dilute it slightly with water. Here’s my favorite trick: prep everything the night before, then just pop it in the oven when you walk through the door. This casserole also works beautifully for meal prep hot lunches—just portion into microwave-safe containers and reheat at work for a satisfying midday meal. Dinner sorted, sanity preserved.
Pairings
Now that you’ve mastered the art of effortless dinner prep, let’s talk about what transforms this hearty casserole from good to absolutely spectacular—the perfect sidekicks. I love pairing this with a crisp Caesar salad that cuts through the richness, or roasted green beans with almonds for extra crunch.
Garlic bread? Always a winner, though let’s be honest—you’re already getting plenty of carbs from that rice underneath. A glass of Pinot Noir complements the pork beautifully, but honestly, whatever wine survives your cooking process works just fine. Simple sides let this star-studded casserole shine brightest. Suppose you’re planning to enjoy leftovers the next day. In that case, this casserole becomes an excellent warm lunch option that can be easily reheated and paired with fresh, seasonal vegetables for added nutrition.
Summing it up
There you have it—your new weeknight hero disguised as a humble casserole. I’ve walked you through browning those chops to golden perfection, layering rice like edible architecture, and creating that beautiful tomato-and-pepper crown.
The magic happens when consommé meets herbs in that 350-degree embrace for an hour. What emerges isn’t just dinner—it’s comfort food that actually comforts. Sure, it won’t win beauty contests, but it’ll win hearts around your table. Sometimes the best meals come wrapped in simplicity, proving that extraordinary doesn’t always mean complicated. For families looking to incorporate more plant-based options, consider alternating this hearty dish with protein-rich quinoa bowls that kids can customize with their favorite vegetables. Now go forth and casserole with confidence.
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