Savory Pork Chop and Wild Rice Bake
This Savory Pork Chop and Wild Rice Bake is a delightful dish that combines tender pork chops with a flavorful wild rice blend, all enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce. Inspired by a cherished family recipe from my mom, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. It’s a true comfort food that brings joy to diners of all ages, balancing savory flavors with a touch of nostalgia. Serve it with a side of greens for a complete meal that’s sure to please!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Long-grain wild rice mix
1 (6-ounce package (use a 7-ounce box, like Zatarains New Orleans Style))
Hot water
2 (cups)
Pork chops
6 (1/2 inch thick, trimmed (boneless or bone-in))
Pepper
1/4 (teaspoon, freshly ground)
Condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce can, undiluted)
Milk
1/2 (cup)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the wild rice, seasoning packet from the rice mix, and hot water. Stir well and then pour the mixture into a lightly greased 13x9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
3
Generously sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with freshly ground pepper and arrange them on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
4
Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
5
After an hour, remove the casserole from the oven and carefully uncover it. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
6
Pour the soup mixture over the casserole, making sure to cover the pork chops evenly. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes or until the pork is cooked through and the casserole is bubbly.
7
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Pork Chop and Wild Rice Bake?
It is a comforting casserole dish that combines tender pork chops with a seasoned wild rice blend and a creamy mushroom sauce.
What kind of rice is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 6-ounce or 7-ounce package of long-grain wild rice mix, specifically suggesting a brand like Zatarains New Orleans Style.
How many pork chops do I need?
You will need 6 pork chops for this dish.
What thickness should the pork chops be?
The pork chops should be approximately 1/2 inch thick.
Can I use boneless or bone-in pork chops?
Both boneless and bone-in pork chops work well for this recipe as long as they are trimmed.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting the bake.
What size baking dish should be used?
A 13x9-inch baking dish that has been lightly greased is the appropriate size.
How much hot water is added to the rice mixture?
You should use 2 cups of hot water to mix with the rice and seasoning.
Do I include the seasoning packet from the rice mix?
Yes, combine the seasoning packet with the wild rice and hot water in the mixing bowl.
How should I season the pork chops themselves?
Generously sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
Should the casserole be covered during baking?
The casserole should be covered with aluminum foil for the first hour of baking to keep the moisture in.
How long is the initial baking time?
The dish should bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour while covered.
What goes into the creamy sauce poured over the chops?
The sauce is made by whisking together one 10 3/4 ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup of milk.
Should the cream of mushroom soup be diluted first?
No, use the condensed soup undiluted before mixing it with the 1/2 cup of milk.
When is the soup mixture added to the casserole?
Remove the casserole from the oven after the first hour, uncover it, and then pour the soup mixture over the top.
Is the dish covered for the final stage of baking?
No, the dish should remain uncovered for the final 15 minutes of baking.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of milk.
How long is the second baking period?
The second bake takes approximately 15 minutes or until the pork is cooked and the sauce is bubbly.
Should I let the dish rest after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the inspiration for this dish?
This recipe was inspired by a cherished family recipe from the creator's mother.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make casserole perfect for busy weeknights.
What side dish is recommended for this meal?
Serving it with a side of greens is recommended for a complete and balanced meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 primary ingredients: rice mix, water, pork chops, pepper, mushroom soup, and milk.
Does the rice need to be pre-cooked?
No, the rice cooks in the baking dish with the hot water during the one-hour baking period.
Can I use other types of cream soup?
While cream of mushroom is traditional for this bake, other cream-based soups could be used as a variation.
How is the rice arranged in the pan?
The rice mixture should be poured into the dish and spread evenly across the bottom.
Is salt added to the pork chops?
The recipe only specifies freshly ground pepper, as the rice seasoning packet usually provides sufficient salt.
What should I look for to know the pork is done?
The pork should be cooked through and the surrounding casserole should be bubbling.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish dinner because the starch and protein cook together in the same pan.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Absolutely, it is noted as a family meal that brings joy to diners of all ages.