Mediterranean Herb-Infused Pork Chops with Cheesy Rice
Inspired by a cherished family recipe, these Mediterranean Herb-Infused Pork Chops are a delightful fusion of flavors that transports your taste buds on a culinary journey. You'll love how the savory pork chops are complemented by fragrant herbs, cheesy rice, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This one-dish wonder is not only easy to prepare—thanks to the convenience of canned Manwich—but also offers endless possibilities for customization. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or substitute with whole grain rice for a healthier spin. This dish brings comfort and nourishment to the dinner table, making it a wonderful choice for busy weeknights or gatherings with loved ones.
6
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork chops
6 (bone-in or boneless, patted dry)
oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Hunts Manwich sloppy joe sandwich sauce
16 ounces (canned)
hot water
2 cups (boiled)
uncooked rice
1 cup (long-grain or basmati)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
basil
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and brown the pork chops on both sides. They don't need to be fully cooked at this stage; just aim for a nice golden brown crust. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside.
3
In a 2-quart baking dish, combine 1 ½ cups of Manwich sauce with 1 ¾ cups of hot water. Stir in the uncooked rice, oregano, basil, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well mixed.
4
Gently fold in half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses into the rice mixture.
5
Place the browned pork chops on top of the rice mixture, then cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the flavor to infuse and the pork to cook through.
7
After 45 minutes, remove the cover and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the pork chops.
8
Pour the remaining Manwich sauce mixed with the remaining hot water over everything in the dish.
9
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
37g
Carbs
26g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Mediterranean Herb-Infused Pork Chops with Cheesy Rice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 400 calories per serving.
What type of pork chops should I use?
You can use 6 bone-in or boneless pork chops, patted dry.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Do I need to cook the rice before putting it in the baking dish?
No, you should use uncooked rice, specifically long-grain or basmati.
What specific sauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of canned Hunts Manwich sloppy joe sandwich sauce.
Which herbs are used to infuse the pork chops?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil.
How long is the initial baking time?
The dish should bake tightly covered for 45 minutes.
How long is the final uncovered baking time?
Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes after adding the final toppings.
What types of cheese are included?
The recipe uses a combination of shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 26g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 37g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I brown the pork chops before baking?
Yes, brown the pork chops in oil over medium heat on both sides until they have a golden brown crust.
What size baking dish is required?
A 2-quart baking dish is recommended.
How much hot water is needed for the rice mixture?
A total of 2 cups of boiled hot water is used in the recipe.
When do I add the cheese to the rice?
Half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses are folded into the rice mixture before baking.
What should I do with the remaining cheese?
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the pork chops after the first 45 minutes of baking.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is described as a one-dish wonder that offers easy preparation.
Can I substitute the rice for a healthier option?
Yes, you can substitute with whole grain rice for a healthier spin.
How much fiber is in this dish?
There is 1g of fiber per serving.
What is the purpose of browning the pork chops?
Browning creates a nice golden brown crust and adds flavor, though they don't need to be fully cooked at that stage.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe description notes you can feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is highlighted as a wonderful choice for busy weeknights or gatherings.
How much oil is used for frying?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of oil for frying.
What seasoning is used for the pork chops?
Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper to taste.
How should the dish be covered during baking?
Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
What is the final step before the last 10 minutes of baking?
Pour the remaining Manwich sauce mixed with the remaining hot water over everything in the dish.
How much uncooked rice is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of uncooked rice.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this recipe.