Pork Chops & Rice Casserole Recipe – Comfort Food at Its Best

Pork chops and rice casserole is a classic comfort food dish that will fill your kitchen with delicious aromas and your stomach with warmth. This hearty, one-pan meal is the perfect combination of tender pork chops, savory rice, and rich flavors that come together for a satisfying meal.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this easy recipe will become a go-to in your rotation. Plus, it’s super easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Pork Chops & Rice Casserole

✅ Simple & Delicious – A comforting dish made with minimal effort!

✅ One-Pan Meal – Less mess, fewer dishes to clean up.

✅ Tender Pork Chops – Perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful.

✅ Rich, Savory Rice – Rice cooked to perfection in a creamy sauce.

✅ Customizable – You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes!

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🛒 Key Ingredients for Pork Chops & Rice Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this incredible casserole:

🍚 For the Casserole:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (you can use boneless too) 🥩
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice 🍚
• 2 cups chicken broth 🍗
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup 🍲
• 1 onion, chopped 🧅
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
• ½ teaspoon black pepper 🧂
• ½ teaspoon paprika 🔥
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀 (optional, for extra creaminess!)

🍽️ For the Topping (Optional but Highly Recommended):

• ½ cup breadcrumbs 🍞
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted 🧈
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 🌿 (for garnish)

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💡 Substitutions & Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are a few easy substitutions and variations:

• For extra flavor: Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery.
• For a lighter option: Use boneless, skinless pork chops to reduce fat content.
• Add veggies: Try adding frozen peas, carrots, or green beans to the casserole for added nutrition.
• Use a different cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-free?: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping!

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Pork Chops & Rice Casserole

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your own Pork Chops & Rice Casserole.

🔥 Step 1: Sear the Pork Chops

1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2️⃣ Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.

3️⃣ Sear the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. The pork chops don’t need to be cooked through at this point—they will finish cooking in the casserole. Remove the chops and set them aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Searing adds flavor and color, but don’t worry about cooking them all the way through yet. They’ll continue cooking in the casserole!

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🧅 Step 2: Sauté the Onions & Garlic

1️⃣ In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

2️⃣ Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

3️⃣ Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth. Stir until well combined.

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🍚 Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2️⃣ In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly on the bottom.

3️⃣ Pour the soup mixture over the rice, making sure it’s well-coated.

4️⃣ Place the seared pork chops on top of the rice, nestling them into the casserole mixture.

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🧀 Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1️⃣ Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

2️⃣ After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender and the pork chops are fully cooked (internal temperature should be 145°F or 63°C).

💡 Pro Tip: The rice should be soft and cooked through, with the pork chops juicy and tender!

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🍞 Step 5: Add the Topping (Optional)

1️⃣ Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole for a crispy, golden topping.

2️⃣ Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

3️⃣ Garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh pop of color.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Pork Chops & Rice Casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can serve it alongside some tasty sides to round out the meal!

• With a side salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted vegetables: Try roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a nutritious addition.
• Crispy bread: Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy rice sauce!

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool before freezing.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops?

Yes! Boneless pork chops will cook faster and are easier to cut, but the recipe works great with bone-in chops as well.

2️⃣ Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.

3️⃣ What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup?

If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade creamy sauce for a more customizable flavor!

4️⃣ How Can I Add More Flavor?

To boost the flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, a dash of soy sauce, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before baking.

5️⃣ Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

This recipe isn’t gluten-free as it includes breadcrumbs for the topping. You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet!

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🍽️ Conclusion – A Hearty & Delicious Meal

Pork Chops & Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender pork, creamy rice, and savory flavors into a delicious meal that everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s satisfying, filling, and packed with flavor. Give it a try, and let me know how your family enjoys it! 😊