Description
This hearty and comforting smothered pork chops recipe features tender pork chops cooked to a golden brown, simmered in a creamy sauce, and baked with melted cheeses and crispy bacon atop a bed of fluffy rice. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Chops and Seasonings
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 2 pounds)
- ½ tsp seasoned salt
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
Base and Sauce
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1¼ cups milk
Toppings
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer Rice: Evenly spread the 2 cups of cooked rice in the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will serve as a flavorful base for the pork chops and sauce.
- Season and Brown Pork Chops: Sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with ½ teaspoon of seasoned salt. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they start to brown.
- Arrange Pork Chops: Transfer the browned pork chops on top of the rice layer in the baking pan, spacing them evenly.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup and 1¼ cups of milk until smooth and combined. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the pork chops and rice.
- Bake Initial Phase: Place the pan uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the pork chops to cook through and the sauce to thicken.
- Add Cheese and Bacon Toppings: Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle ¾ cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pork chops. Then scatter the cooked, chopped bacon slices on top of the cheese.
- Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheeses melt and bubble, and the bacon is heated through.
Notes
- For juicier pork chops, avoid overcooking during the initial browning step.
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce for a fresher taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to complete the meal.
- Bacon can be cooked in advance and stored in the fridge to save time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
