If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner that delivers flavor and ease in one beautiful package, look no further than this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day—the tender pork chops nestled right on top of a creamy, savory rice base make every bite satisfying and soul-soothing. Whether you’re cooking for family or wanting to impress friends with minimal fuss, this classic casserole has that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and flavorful that makes it an instant favorite in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to create a meal bursting with taste and texture. Each element brings something special: the soup adds creaminess, the spices elevate aroma, and the rice absorbs all those delicious flavors.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the rice moist and flavorful.
- Beef broth: Adds depth and savory notes, enhancing every bite.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: The perfect texture to soak up the sauce and become deliciously tender.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth and aromatic punch.
- Dried chives: Brings a mild oniony flavor and a pop of green color.
- Onion powder: Intensifies the savory profile with its sweet earthiness.
- Thick-cut pork chops: Whether bone-in or boneless, they deliver juicy, tender protein that pairs perfectly with rice.
- Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix or seasoning blend: Sprinkled on top for a burst of additional flavor, creating a delicious crust on the pork.
How to Make Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming, grab a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray. This simple step ensures your casserole won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Mix the Rice Base
In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, garlic powder, dried chives, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, homogenous mixture. This combination is what transforms plain rice into a comforting, flavorful bed for the pork chops.
Step 3: Arrange Pork Chops
Pat your pork chops dry to promote even cooking and better browning. Then carefully lay them on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish, spacing them evenly so each chop cooks through effortlessly.
Step 4: Season the Pork
Sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix (or your chosen seasoning blend) evenly over each pork chop. If you’re wary of strong onion flavors or prefer less salt, use just half the packet—you’ll still get that delicious seasoned crust.
Step 5: First Baking Session
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and keep everything moist. Place it in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. At this point, check that the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they are safely cooked but remain juicy.
Step 6: Rest Pork and Finish Rice
Once the pork chops are cooked, carefully remove them from the dish, cover with foil to keep warm, and give your rice mixture a gentle stir. Return the covered baking dish to the oven and let the rice continue baking for another 25 to 30 minutes until it’s tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 7: Serve with Flair
When your rice is cooked to perfection, fluff it gently with a fork to loosen the grains. Return the pork chops to the dish or plate individually. Now you’re ready to add some fresh garnishes, turning this wholesome dinner into a feast for the senses.
How to Serve Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil bring a lovely brightness and a contrast to the creamy rice and savory pork chops. A sprinkle on top adds color and that little touch of freshness that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even a simple cucumber pickle. These lighter sides balance the richness of the casserole, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, try plating the rice in a neat mound with the pork chop resting at an angle. Alternatively, serve individual portions in ramekins so each guest gets a perfect share of rice topped with a pork chop. A drizzle of a tangy mustard sauce or a dollop of apple sauce on the side can also elevate the dish with complementary flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This makes for an easy lunch or dinner option that reheats nicely without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool the casserole completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this casserole is in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for 20 to 25 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the oven preserves texture best.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops in this recipe?
Absolutely! Both bone-in and boneless pork chops work well here. Just keep an eye on cooking times as boneless chops may cook slightly faster, ensuring they stay juicy and tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make the Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensuring your onion soup mix contains no gluten ingredients. Checking labels is key!
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup with something else?
Definitely! If you prefer, you can swap it for cream of chicken soup or another creamy soup base to tweak the flavor. Alternatively, homemade cream sauces can bring a fresh touch, though they require extra preparation.
How do I know when the rice is perfectly cooked?
The rice is done when it’s tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. You should be able to fluff it easily with a fork without any crunchiness. If it’s still too firm, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Chopped mushrooms, green peas, or diced bell peppers can be stirred into the rice mixture before baking for extra color, nutrients, and flavor. Just be mindful of moisture levels so the casserole doesn’t become too watery.
Final Thoughts
This Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe is truly one of those feel-good meals that satisfy all your cravings with minimal effort. It’s the perfect weeknight option when you want something warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and see why it’s such a beloved classic in so many homes!
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, all-in-one meal featuring tender pork chops baked atop a flavorful creamy mushroom and beef broth rice mixture. Enhanced with garlic, chives, onion powder, and a savory onion soup seasoning, this dish is easy to prepare in one baking dish, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 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 the casserole from sticking.
- Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked long-grain white rice, garlic powder, dried chives, and onion powder. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and evenly blended. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry using paper towels to ensure they cook evenly. Arrange the pork chops on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish, spacing them evenly.
- Season the Pork Chops: Sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix or another seasoning blend evenly over the pork chops. If you prefer a milder onion flavor or wish to reduce sodium, use only half of the seasoning packet.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. At this point, check that the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If fully cooked, carefully remove the pork chops from the baking dish, cover with foil, and set aside to rest.
- Finish Cooking the Rice: Stir the rice mixture gently to redistribute the flavors. Re-cover the dish with foil and return it to the oven. Continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the cooking liquid has been absorbed.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Plate the rice alongside the rested pork chops. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use bone-in pork chops for added flavor and moisture retention.
- If you prefer a lower sodium dish, reduce the beef broth to a low-sodium variety and use half of the onion soup mix.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for flavor variation.
- Make sure to cover the baking dish tightly to prevent drying out during baking.
- Resting the pork chops after baking ensures juicier meat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 3 days.
