Pork Chop and Rice Casserole

Pork chop and rice casserole is one of those recipes that anyone who can use an oven can make successfully. All you do is dump in convenience foods and meat. There’s nothing you have to prepare in any way other than by opening cans and packages. This recipe is great for beginner cooks or those with busy schedules.

Casseroles were originally communal dishes that took time to make. They often had several stages of preparation depending on the ingredients. But in the mid-20th century, casserole recipes in the U.S. began to be marketed as easy foods that anyone could make regardless of skill. They were meant to use up canned foods and leftover meals, and this pork chop and rice casserole recipe is no exception.

Pork Chop and Rice Casserole Ingredients

• Instant rice: Uncooked instant white rice doesn’t need as much moisture to rehydrate as regular white rice. This reduces the risk of the casserole being too wet when the pork chops are done cooking.
• Condensed cream of celery soup: The cream of celery soup will rehydrate the rice and add creaminess and flavor to the casserole.
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: The cream of mushroom soup will also rehydrate the rice and add creaminess. Mushrooms are a food that adds umami flavor to recipes.
• 2% milk: The milk also helps to rehydrate the rice and dilute the otherwise undiluted cream soups.
•  Pork loin chops (bone-in): Use bone-in chops for this because the marrow in those bones adds flavor and moisture. Any fat on the chops will melt and add even more flavor.
• Onion soup mix: Here’s all your spices in one dry soup mix. This adds a punch of savory seasoning that cooked onions just can’t match.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the ingredients

Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the instant rice, soups and milk in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Place the pork chops on top of the rice and sprinkle everything with the soup mix.

Step 2: Bake the casserole

Cover the baking dish and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until the pork chops reach at least 145° internally (use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature.) The rice should be tender. Let the casserole stand for five minutes before you serve it.

Pork Chop and Rice Casserole Variations

• Try other types of rice: You could try different types of rice, from brown instant rice to non-instant varieties. Be aware that the amount of water you need will change if you use a non-instant rice variety, and you may have to adjust the cooking time. Instant brown rice will rehydrate relatively quickly, but may still need more moisture than instant white rice.
• Try different soups: While celery and mushrooms have their advantages, other soups are packed with flavor, too. Try using cream of chicken soup in place of cream of mushroom, for example, or a couple of cups of broth instead of cream of celery soup and milk.

How to Store Pork Chop and Rice Casserole

You can store leftovers in a covered, airtight container in the refrigerator. Use up the leftovers within four days (preferably three).

Can you make Pork Chop and Rice Casserole ahead of time?

The rice in this recipe makes it difficult to make this ahead of time.  If you mix everything ahead of time and store the casserole before baking, you risk the chance of the rice absorbing all the moisture. Therefore the dish could turn out very dry. To store this ahead of time, bake the entire thing, let it cool for a bit and then store it in the refrigerator. Break up the casserole into portions for better reheating. Be sure to a little more water during the reheating process and always ensure the pork chops are reheated to at least 165°.

Pork Chop and Rice Casserole Tips

Should you sear the pork chops first?

You can brown or sear the pork chops on both sides for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole. The searing will create a delicious caramelization in the finished casserole. Just be careful not to fully cook the pork chops before adding them to the casserole because they’ll become overcooked in the oven. You may also have to reduce the cooking time for the casserole. Ensure the chops cook to at least 145° (an instant-read meat thermometer is very valuable here).

What should you serve with pork chops and rice casserole?

This recipe is devoid of vegetables. So, a garden salad would be a terrific side dish to serve along with the casserole. A cooked vegetable dish will complement the casserole nicely, too.

Can you garnish the casserole?

Yes, when the casserole is done and ready to serve, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or rosemary over the top. You can try other garnishes as well, depending on your preferences.