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 around 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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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 that golden crust, then building layers of rice, vegetables, and herbs that create a complete meal in one dish. The consommé keeps everything moist while the herbs add that perfect aromatic touch.
Ingredients:
- Pork chops
- Fat for browning
- Rice
- Tomato slices
- Bell pepper slices
- Consommé
- Marjoram
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment/Tools:
- Skillet
- Greased casserole dish
- Knife for slicing
- Measuring cups
Instructions:
Start by browning your pork chops in fat in a skillet over medium-high heat until they develop a nice golden color on both sides.
While those chops are getting their beautiful crust, place the rice in the bottom of your greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly to create your base layer.
Slice your vegetables into even pieces, then arrange the browned chops directly on top of the rice. Top each chop with one slice of tomato and one slice of bell pepper, seasoning each layer as you build it with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the consommé over the entire casserole, making sure it reaches down into the rice, then sprinkle the marjoram and thyme evenly across the top.
Cover the casserole tightly and slide it into your preheated 350-degree oven, where it will bake for exactly one hour until the rice is tender and the chops are cooked through.
Nutrition Information:
- High in protein from pork chops
- Complex carbohydrates from rice
- Vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables
- Moderate fat content from browning fat
- Low-sodium option depending on consommé choice
Tips:
Ensure your oven is fully preheated before adding the casserole, and resist the urge to peek too often, as lifting the cover releases precious steam. 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.
Cooking Steps
I’ll walk you through cooking this hearty casserole step by step, and trust me, it’s easier than you might think. First, I brown those pork chops thoroughly in a skillet—this step locks in flavor and gives them that beautiful golden color you’re after. Then comes the fun part: layering everything in your casserole dish like you’re building a delicious, edible tower of comfort food.
Step 1. Brown Pork Chops Thoroughly
Heat your skillet and add a bit of fat—whether that’s oil, butter, or even a touch of bacon grease if you’re feeling indulgent. I place each pork chop in the hot pan, giving them space to breathe. Don’t crowd them—they’re not at a concert! Listen for that satisfying sizzle when they hit the surface. I brown each side thoroughly, developing that gorgeous golden crust that’ll add flavor to our casserole. This isn’t a race; good browning takes patience. Turn them once, letting each side get caramelized adequately before moving to the next step.
Step 2. Layer Rice In Casserole
While those chops rest and show off their beautiful bronzed exteriors, I’m already moving on to the foundation of our casserole. I grab my greased casserole dish—think of it as the stage where our dinner drama unfolds. The rice goes in first, creating an even layer across the bottom. This isn’t just filler; it’s the sponge that’ll soak up all those incredible flavors we’re building. Don’t pack it down—just spread it naturally. The rice will expand as it cooks, transforming from humble grains into fluffy, flavor-packed perfection that’ll cradle our chops beautifully.
Step 3. Add Seasoned Chops and Vegetables
Now comes the grand assembly—those gorgeous bronzed chops nestle perfectly onto their rice bed, each one claiming its own territory in the casserole dish. I crown each chop with a vibrant tomato slice, followed by a colorful pepper ring. It’s like giving them little hats!
As I layer, I sprinkle salt and pepper generously—seasoning as I go prevents bland surprises later. The vegetables add gorgeous color contrast against the golden chops and pale rice. This methodical layering guarantees every bite delivers protein, starch, and vegetables in perfect harmony. Each chop becomes its own little flavor island.
Step 4. Pour Consomme and Herbs
The liquid magic happens next—I pour the rich consommé around (not over!) those beautiful chop arrangements, watching it pool between the rice grains like a savory moat. This golden broth will steam upward during baking, creating tender perfection. Now comes the herb sprinkle: marjoram adds delicate floral notes while thyme brings earthy depth. I scatter both generously across the entire dish—don’t be shy here! These Mediterranean beauties will infuse every grain of rice and morsel of pork with aromatic goodness. The casserole’s now primed for its hour-long oven transformation from raw ingredients into comfort food gold.
Step 4. Bake Covered for One Hour
Slide that covered casserole into your preheated 350-degree oven and let the magic begin—this hour-long bake transforms humble ingredients into something spectacular. During this time, the pork chops will become tender while absorbing all those wonderful flavors you’ve layered together. The rice underneath acts like a flavor sponge, soaking up the consommé and juices from the meat above. Don’t peek too often—I know it’s tempting, but every time you lift that lid, you’re releasing precious steam that’s doing the heavy lifting. Trust the process; your kitchen will smell absolutely divine when that timer finally goes off.
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.
