Creole Pork Chops is a comforting, one-dish Southern meal that merges tender pork chops with savory rice, onions, and a tangy tomato sauce. Bacon drippings enrich the dish with smoky depth, a nod to traditional Southern cooking. While the term “Creole” often refers to Louisiana-style flavors, this version is more rustic and family-friendly, offering a milder but rich baked casserole-style dinner. Perfect for cozy nights, it delivers heartwarming flavors with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops (tenderloin recommended)
- ¼ cup onion (chopped )
- 15 oz tomato sauce (1 can)
- ½ cup rice (uncooked)
- 2 tbsp butter (or bacon drippings)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown Ingredients
- Brown the pork chops in a skillet over medium heat until lightly seared.
- In the same pan, brown the rice in bacon drippings or butter until golden.
Step 2: Combine Flavors
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until translucent.
- Return pork chops to the skillet and stir in the can of tomato sauce.
Step 3: Bake the Dish
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Cover and bake at 240–260°F for 1½ hours.
Tips
- Substitute butter for bacon drippings for a milder flavor.
- Add celery and bell pepper to make it more authentically Creole.
- Use bone-in pork chops for more moisture and flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Replace white rice with brown rice, but increase cooking time.
- Add garlic when browning onions for deeper flavor.
- Serve over mashed potatoes instead of rice for a twist.
- Stir in okra during simmering for a Southern variation.
- Make it a one-pot meal by cooking everything in a Dutch oven.
Nutrition
Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 32gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 690mgPotassium: 720mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 2mg
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