Pork Chops in Tomato Sauce

Pork chops sometimes get a bad rap as being hard to cook for coming out too tough and chewy far too often. This recipe makes it all but impossible for you to cook up anything but a tender and flavorful pork dinner, provided you follow the simple steps closely. Cooking the pork loin chops in plenty of flavorful fluids will infuse taste and tenderness at the same time.

Pork chops in a tomato sauce will become a new favorite dish in your home and this recipe for pork chops in tomato sauce is just a starting point. Build out the rest of the meal with pasta or potatoes and salad. You can also add cooked greens. It is all up to you. But first, let’s get to work on the main course.

Pork Chops in Tomato Sauce Ingredients

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• Onion: This recipe calls for just one half of one small onion that has been thinly sliced. The onion will add flavor but should essentially disappear into the mix of ingredients in terms of texture.
• Garlic: Use one well-minced garlic clove so that, like the onion, it imparts its welcome taste and blends into the dish in terms of texture.
• Butter: Be generous with that tablespoon of butter. It is used to sauté the onion and garlic while also adding flavor.
• Pork loin chops: Bone-in pork loin chops are best for this recipe. Make sure to trim any excess fat off of the chops before you start cooking.
• Tomato sauce: The recipe calls for eight ounces of tomato sauce. You can use a canned sauce or your favorite homemade tomato sauce, of course.
• White wine or chicken broth: In this recipe, as in many dishes, dry white wine or chicken broth are effectively interchangeable. Use whichever you have on hand or prefer.
• Oregano: Dried oregano packs a flavor punch so don’t use too much. One teaspoon is all you need.
• Pepper: The eighth of a teaspoon of pepper add just a little bit of to the dish, without adding any kick, so it won’t be a turn off to any milder palates

Directions

Step 1: Brown the pork

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In a large nonstick skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in the butter, cooking until tender. Then, add pork the chops and cook them until they brown on both sides.

Step 2: Add the sauce

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In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, wine or broth, oregano and pepper. Then pour this over the chops. Bring the dish to a boil and reduce the heat. Cover and simmer the pork chops in tomato sauce for 10 to 15 minutes or until the meat is tender.

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Pork Chops in Tomato Sauce Variations

• Spice it up: Adding a 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the mix will bring the heat and will accentuate the other flavors in this dish.
• Try it with chicken: This exact same recipe can be followed to cook chicken breast or chicken thighs. Just be sure to note the internal temperature of the meat before you remove it from the heat for food safety purposes.
• Add some basil: You can add 1 teaspoon of dried basil to this recipe to bring a Mediterranean twist. You can also replace the oregano with basil.

How to Store Pork Chops in Tomato Sauce

You can store these cooked pork chops in airtight packaging in the fridge for three to four days. Reheat them in a pan with some broth or some added tomato sauce.

Can you freeze cooked pork chops?

Yes, you can freeze and reheat cooked pork chops once. Freeze the meat in airtight packaging for up to six months  and let it thaw overnight in the fridge.

Pork Chops in Tomato Sauce Tips

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What is the safe cooking temperature for pork?

Pork chops need to be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145ºF. It’s best not to cook them much beyond that as they will start to lose their tenderness.

What should I serve with these pork chops in tomato sauce?

These pork chops are perfect when paired with classic Italian foods like a pasta dish. A crisp green salad will also be a welcome accompaniment.

Is this a healthy meal?

Pork chops in tomato sauce actually is a pretty healthy dish. With fewer than 220 calories per serving, give or take,  you will be ingesting just 10 grams of fat and 23 grams of welcome protein.