Southwestern Pork Chops: A Flavorful One-Dish Meal
This Southwestern Pork Chops recipe embodies a delightful fusion of flavors that is not only quick and easy to prepare but also promises a satisfying meal for the entire family. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and simply pop it in the oven when you return home from work, making it a truly convenient option for dinner.
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Description | A very quick and easy, but tasty dish. Prepare ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven when you get home for a great meal! |
| Recipe Category | One Dish Meal |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | 609.5 |
| Fat Content | 27.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 90.3 mg |
| Sodium | 1027.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 57.3 g |
| Fiber | 4.4 g |
| Sugar | 9.9 g |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Aggregated Rating | 3 |
| Review Count | 1 |
Ingredients
The ingredients list for this dish combines the savory richness of pork with the zesty flavors of the Southwest. Below is the detailed ingredient breakdown:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Long grain rice | 2 cups |
| Kosher salt | 4 teaspoons |
| Fresh ground black pepper | ¾ teaspoon |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh cilantro | ½ cup, chopped |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Green chilies | 1 can (4 oz) |
| Corn | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Tomatoes and green chilies (diced) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Red bell pepper | 1, diced |
| Serrano chili peppers | 1-2, chopped |
| Colby-Monterey Jack cheese | 1½ cups, shredded |
| Monterey Jack pepper cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
Instructions
Embark on a culinary journey as you create this vibrant dish with the following steps:
-
Heat the Oil: Begin by heating a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will create the perfect environment for searing your pork chops, allowing for a beautifully golden-brown exterior.
-
Brown the Pork Chops: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork chops in the skillet. Sear them on both sides until they develop a nice golden-brown crust, which should take about 4-5 minutes per side. This step is crucial for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
-
Season the Chops: As the chops cook, sprinkle them with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the seasoning to infuse into the meat.
-
Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a greased Dutch oven or baking dish, combine the long grain rice, chicken stock, tomato sauce, drained corn, green chilies, diced red bell pepper, chopped serrano peppers, and the spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder). Stir the mixture well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
-
Layer the Dish: Carefully place the seared pork chops on top of the rice mixture, ensuring they are nestled in but still visible on top, allowing their flavors to meld with the rice as it cooks.
-
Bake: Cover the Dutch oven or baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and the rice to absorb all the delicious juices from the pork.
-
Add Cheese: After the baking time has elapsed, remove the cover and generously sprinkle the shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese and Monterey Jack pepper cheese over the top of the dish. This will create a delightful cheesy layer that complements the southwestern flavors.
-
Melt the Cheese: Return the uncovered dish to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve: Once the cheese has melted to perfection, remove the dish from the oven. Serve the Southwestern Pork Chops with a side of fresh cilantro garlic bread for an extra touch of flavor and a delicious finish to your meal.
Nutritional Information
This hearty one-dish meal not only satisfies the taste buds but also offers a balanced profile of nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner.
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 609.5 |
| Total Fat | 27.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 90.3 mg |
| Sodium | 1027.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 57.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g |
| Sugars | 9.9 g |
| Protein | 35 g |
Conclusion
The Southwestern Pork Chops dish is not just a meal; it is an experience that brings together a medley of flavors in a beautifully orchestrated one-dish wonder. Whether you prepare it for a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, its comforting taste and delightful aroma will surely impress. Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite!
