If you’ve been craving a comfort meal that hits all the right notes, you are going to absolutely love this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe. This dish is the perfect blend of tender, juicy pork chops nestled on a bed of creamy, flavorful rice infused with savory mushroom soup and a touch of onion seasoning. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner but hearty enough to satisfy a family gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your home cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each one is essential in creating the dish’s rich flavor and satisfying texture. The combination of creamy soup, fragrant seasonings, and hearty pork comes together beautifully to make every bite memorable.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces): Adds creaminess and an earthy depth that soaks into the rice perfectly.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Provides a savory base that keeps the rice moist and flavorful throughout baking.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice (1 cup): The star starch of this dish, absorbing all the tasty goodness as it cooks.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint to enhance the savory layers without overpowering.
- Dried chives (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle onion-like freshness to brighten up the casserole.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Complements the chives and soup to layer the onion flavor gently.
- Thick-cut pork chops (4, bone-in or boneless): The hearty protein, perfectly suited to stand up to baking in the casserole.
- Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix (1 ounce packet): This secret seasoning packet is like magic dust, providing a punch of flavor with minimal effort.
How to Make Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks later, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Rice Ingredients
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 combined. This mixture is the flavorful bed that the pork chops will rest on, so make sure everything is well blended!
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole with Pork Chops
Pour the rice mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to promote even browning as they bake, then arrange them neatly over the rice.
Step 4: Add Seasoning and Begin Baking
Sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix generously over the pork chops. If you prefer a lighter onion flavor or want to reduce sodium, feel free to use just half the packet. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to seal in moisture and pop it in the oven for about 30 minutes. This initial baking cooks the pork chops and starts the rice cooking process.
Step 5: Check Pork Chops and Continue Cooking Rice
After 30 minutes, use a meat thermometer to check that the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe, juicy results. Remove the cooked pork chops, cover them with foil to stay warm, and give the rice mixture a good stir before covering and returning it to the oven. Bake for another 25 to 30 minutes until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
Carefully fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and combine flavors. Plate your rice and pork chops together, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying meals you’ll make all week.
How to Serve Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top of your Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe is a simple way to brighten the dish and add a pop of color. These herbs bring a refreshing contrast to the savory richness, balancing every bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The fresh, crunchy sides help round out the meal with additional texture and nutrients, creating both flavor and visual appeal on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the pork chops sliced on top of the rice in individual bowls, garnished with a lemon wedge for a subtle zing. You could even spoon some of the cooking juices over the top for extra moisture and flavor. This Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe is both adaptable and elegant, making it great for casual dinners or cozy gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing works wonderfully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers by covering the casserole dish and warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until hot, stirring the rice halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work just fine and tend to cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Bone-in chops add flavor but either works beautifully for this casserole.
What can I substitute for the Lipton Onion Soup Mix?
If you don’t have Lipton Onion Soup Mix, make your own blend by combining dried onion flakes, dried parsley, beef bouillon powder, and onion powder. This keeps the savory onion notes that define the dish.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice can be used but requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so the texture of the casserole may change. If you choose brown rice, soak it beforehand and adjust baking time accordingly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The canned cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix often contain gluten, so look for gluten-free brands or make homemade versions if you need to keep this recipe gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Adding vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas can boost the nutrition and add great flavor. Stir them into the rice mixture before baking for a colorful, hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
This Pork Chops and Rice Casserole Recipe is a golden oldie that delivers the kind of warmth and satisfaction only a true comfort meal can bring. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and yields a dish that feels like a big, cozy hug for your taste buds. I can’t wait for you to experience how deliciously effortless this recipe is. Give it a try, and watch it become one of your new go-to favorites.
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
A hearty and comforting Pork Chops and Rice Casserole that combines tender pork chops baked atop a flavorful mushroom and beef broth-infused rice. This easy-to-make one-dish meal features savory seasonings and a creamy texture, perfect for a satisfying 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 and Seasoning
- 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). Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray to prevent 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 until all ingredients are smoothly blended. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels for even cooking. Lay them evenly over 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 less intense onion flavor or to reduce sodium, use half the packet.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the pork chops using a meat thermometer; they should reach 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, remove the pork chops, cover with foil, and set aside to rest.
- Finish Cooking the Rice: Stir the rice mixture in the baking dish to blend the flavors. Re-cover the dish and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the rice is fully cooked, gently fluff it with a fork. Serve the rice alongside the pork chops, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Use bone-in pork chops for more flavor, but boneless works fine as well.
- Ensure the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute the Lipton Onion Soup Mix with a low-sodium or homemade onion seasoning to control sodium content.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
