Effortless Elegance: Easy Baked Pork Chops with Savory Stuffing

Are you searching for a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! These easy baked pork chops with stuffing are the answer. They’re tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, all while requiring minimal effort in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect for busy families, beginner cooks, or anyone who wants a comforting and delicious meal without spending hours prepping and cooking. Forget dry, bland pork chops – this recipe guarantees moist, flavorful perfection every time. We’ll walk you through each step, from choosing the right pork chops to creating a mouthwatering stuffing that complements the pork beautifully. Get ready to impress your family (and yourself!) with this winning combination.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy and Quick:** Minimal prep time and simple baking instructions make this a perfect weeknight meal.
* **Flavorful and Moist:** The stuffing adds moisture and flavor to the pork chops, preventing them from drying out.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** A hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The stuffed pork chops look elegant enough for a special occasion, but are easy enough to make any night of the week.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this delectable dish. Don’t worry, most of them are pantry staples!

* **Pork Chops:** 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful, but boneless are quicker to cook.
* **Stuffing Mix:** 6 ounces (about half of a standard box) of your favorite stuffing mix (such as Stove Top). We recommend a savory herb-flavored mix.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons (1/2 cup), melted. This adds richness and flavor to both the stuffing and the pork chops.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup, low-sodium. This provides moisture and flavor to the stuffing.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium, finely chopped. Adds a savory base to the stuffing.
* **Celery:** 1/2 cup, finely chopped. Contributes a subtle celery flavor and texture to the stuffing.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Adds a pungent and aromatic touch to the stuffing.
* **Dried Herbs:** 1 teaspoon, such as dried sage, thyme, or rosemary. Enhances the savory flavor of the stuffing. You can also use Italian seasoning.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Essential for seasoning both the pork chops and the stuffing.
* **Optional Add-ins for Stuffing:** Cooked sausage, chopped apples, dried cranberries, chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Dish:** A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal.
* **Large Skillet:** For sautéing the vegetables for the stuffing.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the stuffing.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping vegetables.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create delicious baked pork chops with stuffing.

**1. Prepare the Stuffing:**

* **Sauté Vegetables:** In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
* **Combine Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the stuffing mix, sautéed vegetables, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
* **Add Broth and Butter:** Pour in the chicken broth and the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the stuffing mix is evenly moistened. Don’t overmix, as this can make the stuffing gummy.

**2. Prepare the Pork Chops:**

* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* **Season Pork Chops:** Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.

**3. Assemble the Pork Chops with Stuffing:**

* **Place Pork Chops in Baking Dish:** Arrange the seasoned pork chops in the prepared baking dish.
* **Top with Stuffing:** Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the top of each pork chop, pressing it down gently to adhere. You want a generous layer of stuffing, but not so much that it falls off easily.

**4. Bake the Pork Chops:**

* **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the stuffing is golden brown. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
* **Rest:** Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful pork.

## Tips for Perfect Pork Chops

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked pork chops are dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the correct internal temperature (145°F/63°C).
* **Choose the Right Cut:** Bone-in pork chops tend to be more flavorful and stay moister during cooking. However, boneless chops are more convenient and cook faster.
* **Pat Dry:** Patting the pork chops dry before seasoning helps them brown better in the oven.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** If the pork chops are too close together in the baking dish, they will steam instead of brown. Use a larger baking dish or bake in batches if necessary.
* **Let it Rest:** Resting the pork chops after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Stuffing Variations:** Get creative with your stuffing! Add cooked sausage, chopped apples, dried cranberries, chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), or shredded cheese.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots.
* **Broth Variations:** Use chicken, vegetable, or even beef broth for the stuffing, depending on your preference.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free stuffing mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Use olive oil instead of butter and ensure your stuffing mix is dairy-free.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a little heat.

## Serving Suggestions

These easy baked pork chops with stuffing are a complete meal in themselves, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Classic comfort food that complements the pork chops perfectly.
* **Green Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
* **Apple Sauce:** A sweet and tangy side that pairs well with pork.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** Another classic pairing for pork, especially during the holidays.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Prepare the Stuffing:** You can prepare the stuffing up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Season the Pork Chops:** You can season the pork chops up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Assemble the Dish:** You can assemble the pork chops with stuffing up to 4 hours in advance. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover pork chops with stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pork chops with stuffing in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly drier.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

## Recipe Card

**Easy Baked Pork Chops with Stuffing**

A simple and satisfying weeknight meal featuring tender pork chops topped with flavorful stuffing.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
* 6 ounces stuffing mix
* 4 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 onion, finely chopped
* 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté onion and celery in 2 tablespoons of butter until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. In a bowl, combine stuffing mix, sautéed vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Add chicken broth and remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix well.
5. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
6. Place pork chops in a baking dish.
7. Top each pork chop with stuffing.
8. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until pork chops reach 145°F (63°C) and stuffing is golden brown.
9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

## Final Thoughts

These easy baked pork chops with stuffing are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with family and friends, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and satisfying dish! Don’t forget to experiment with different stuffing variations to find your perfect combination. Happy cooking!