If you love comfort food (and honestly, who doesn’t?), this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole is like a big, cozy blanket for your taste buds. Creamy mushroom soup, fluffy rice, and juicy pork chops—all in one dish. Easy, delicious, and ready to rescue your weeknight dinners.
Let’s talk about comfort food. You know, the kind of meal that brings you back to cozy family dinners, where everyone’s talking over each other, and you can barely hear yourself think. For me, that meal is this Pork Chops & Rice Casserole. The smell alone takes me right back—mom tossing it together in the kitchen, that warm mushroom-y scent filling the house. I’d be sneaking peeks at the oven, hoping it’d hurry up already, while she’d shoo me out with a wooden spoon (in that “I’m half-joking, but seriously, let me cook” kind of way).
Now, I get it—this isn’t some fancy dish with a million ingredients or some impressive name. It’s just… cozy. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and a flavor that feels like a big bear hug. Honestly, if you’re anything like me and love a meal that doesn’t try too hard, this is it. I swear, this casserole is the definition of “set it and forget it,” and it’s exactly what you want when you need a good meal without all the fuss. Sound like your kind of dish? Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Pork Chop Rice Casserole
So, why this Pork Chops and Rice Casserole? Well, it’s a one-pan wonder. Yep, only one baking dish to clean—music to my ears, honestly. If you’ve ever stood in front of a sink with a mountain of dishes after dinner, you know the pain I’m talking about. This recipe’s perfect for busy nights when you’re not about to tackle a sink full of pots and pans.
And the flavor? It’s like a cozy blanket wrapped around you. You’ve got that creaminess from the mushroom soup, a savory kick from the beef broth, and that magic touch from the Lipton Onion Soup Mix. It’s that one secret ingredient that makes people go, “What’s in this?” without being too over-the-top. And let’s not forget the pork chops—these aren’t flimsy, dried-out chops. Nope, we’re talking thick-cut, juicy bites with a little crispy edge. Basically, every forkful hits all the right notes.
Ingredient Notes
Alright, here’s the breakdown. Nothing too wild here, just honest ingredients doing their thing. Each one adds a little something, and the best part is how they work together to create this ridiculously comforting flavor.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: It’s the creamy base here, giving that rich texture. If you’re not a mushroom person (I won’t judge), you can swap for cream of chicken, but honestly? Mushroom adds that nostalgic, home-cooked vibe that’s hard to beat.
- Beef Broth: A bit of a surprise in a pork dish, but it gives this savory depth that’s so good. And if you’ve got beef bone broth, even better—extra richness for the win!
- Uncooked Long-Grain White Rice: Go with long-grain, trust me. It stays nice and fluffy, soaking up all those flavors without turning mushy. I made the mistake of using short-grain once, and, well… let’s just say it was more porridge than casserole.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These are the flavor underdogs—just enough to add some subtle depth without overpowering. You could throw in a fresh garlic clove if you’re feeling fancy.
- Dried Chives: A little hint of oniony flavor without being too much. If you’ve got fresh chives, go for it—they add a nice pop of color.
- Thick-Cut Pork Chops: Bone-in or boneless works, just make sure they’re thick-cut. You want that juicy, tender bite, not a sad, dry chop.
- Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix: Ah, the MVP of seasoning! It’s got this can’t-put-your-finger-on-it flavor that pulls everything together. If you’re watching your salt, go with half the packet—it’s flexible.
How to Make This Pork Chop Casserole
Alright, ready to roll? Here’s the step-by-step. Nothing complicated here, and I’ll bet you’ve got most of this down already. Just a few simple moves to get this casserole going.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Get that oven going at 350°F (175°C) and grab a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Give it a quick spray with cooking spray—trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you’re not scraping rice off later.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, rice, garlic powder, chives, and onion powder. Pour it into your baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it’s a nice, cozy bed for those pork chops.
Step 3: Add the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry (this helps them crisp up a bit). Lay them right on top of the rice mixture, giving each one its own little spot.
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Step 4: Sprinkle on the Magic
Time to bring out the Lipton Onion Soup Mix. Sprinkle it right over the pork chops. If you’re not a big onion person, feel free to go light on it, or even skip half the packet. The flavor will still be there without knocking you over.
Step 5: Bake Round One
Cover the whole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Check the pork chops—they should hit an internal temp of 145°F (63°C) when they’re done. If they’re ready, pull them out, cover with foil, and let them rest.
Step 6: Finish the Rice
Give the rice a quick stir, cover again, and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid’s absorbed.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork, plate it alongside the pork chops, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. Boom! Dinner’s served.
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), let everything cool before packing it up. In an airtight container, it’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it’s nice and warm, or go for a quick microwave zap if you’re short on time. If you’re thinking long-term, freeze individual portions. Then, just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to put your own spin on this casserole? Here are a few ideas. These aren’t hard-and-fast rules—just options to make it your own!
- Switch the Soup: Not into mushrooms? Cream of chicken will work, or you could go wild with cream of celery for a lighter flavor.
- Add Some Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach—they all bring a bit more nutrition and color.
- Use a Different Protein: Pork is classic, but bone-in chicken thighs are a good swap if that’s what you’ve got.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Try a dash of smoked paprika or thyme for extra depth. Just don’t go too heavy, or you’ll overpower that lovely onion-y flavor.
- Cut Back the Salt: Use low-sodium broth and just half the onion soup mix to keep things on the lighter side.
Perfect Pairings for Pork Chops and Rice Casserole
For the perfect sides with Pork Chops and Rice Casserole, try these simple, fresh options:
- Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add color and balance.
- Crisp Salad: A light garden salad or cucumber-tomato mix with vinaigrette keeps things fresh.
- Buttered Corn: Sweet and easy, corn on the cob or sautéed kernels work beautifully.
- Garlic Bread or Rolls: Ideal for scooping up any extra sauce—comfort food at its best!
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw cuts through the richness.
These sides let the casserole shine and round out a cozy, satisfying meal!
Give it a go, and let me know what you think! Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe you don’t have to try to love—it just wins you over with every bite. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Pork Chops and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 thick-cut pork chops bone-in or boneless, per preference
- 1 packet 1 ounce Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix or other seasoning blend
Optional garnish: Chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking dish by applying a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked long-grain white rice, garlic powder, dried chives, and onion powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking. Place them atop the rice mixture in the baking dish, spacing them evenly.
- Sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix (or alternative seasoning) evenly over the pork chops. For a milder onion flavor or reduced sodium, use half of the seasoning packet.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. Check the pork chops at this stage, ensuring they have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If they are fully cooked, remove the pork chops from the baking dish, cover with foil, and set aside to rest.
- Stir the rice mixture to blend flavors. Re-cover the baking dish and return it to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Serve it alongside the pork chops, garnishing with fresh parsley or basil as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
