Tex-Mex Pork Chop and Rice Skillet: A Flavor Fiesta in One Pan!
Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and won’t leave you with a mountain of dishes? Look no further! This Tex-Mex Pork Chop and Rice Skillet recipe is your answer. It’s packed with juicy, seasoned pork chops, fluffy rice, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty Tex-Mex sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a comforting and satisfying meal without the fuss.
This recipe combines the best of Tex-Mex flavors with the simplicity of a skillet dinner. The pork chops are seared to perfection, then simmered in a flavorful sauce with rice, corn, black beans, and your favorite Tex-Mex spices. The result is a complete meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pan!
## Why You’ll Love This Tex-Mex Pork Chop and Rice Skillet
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under an hour, perfect for weeknights.
* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** A delicious blend of Tex-Mex spices and hearty ingredients.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking with different vegetables, spices, or protein.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable ingredients that are readily available.
* **Complete Meal:** Contains protein, carbs, and vegetables in one dish.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Pork Chops:** 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick. Boneless are faster cooking, but bone-in offer more flavor.
* **Rice:** 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked. You can also use brown rice, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted (see notes below).
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Yellow onions provide a good balance of flavor.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color). Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers will add sweetness and color to the dish.
* **Corn:** 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained. Adds sweetness and texture.
* **Black Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained. Provides protein and fiber.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Adds acidity and flavor to the sauce.
* **Chicken Broth:** 2 cups chicken broth. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil. For searing the pork chops and sautéing the vegetables.
* **Tex-Mex Seasoning:** 2 tablespoons Tex-Mex seasoning. You can use store-bought or make your own (recipe below).
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Adds aromatic flavor.
* **Chili Powder:** 1 teaspoon chili powder. For extra spice and flavor.
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon cumin. Adds earthy and warm flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is key to a delicious dish!
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices.
### Homemade Tex-Mex Seasoning
If you prefer to make your own Tex-Mex seasoning, here’s a simple recipe:
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Tex-Mex Pork Chop and Rice Skillet:
**Step 1: Season the Pork Chops**
* Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This will help them sear properly.
* In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of Tex-Mex seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the pork chops, ensuring they are evenly coated.
**Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops**
* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the pork chops and the rice mixture later.
* Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned. The internal temperature doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will continue to cook in the sauce.
* Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**
* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium.
* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
**Step 4: Add the Rice and Other Ingredients**
* Stir in the uncooked rice, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, remaining 1 tablespoon of Tex-Mex seasoning, and chicken broth.
* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
**Step 5: Return the Pork Chops to the Skillet**
* Gently nestle the seared pork chops into the rice mixture. Make sure they are partially submerged in the sauce.
* Cover the skillet and continue to simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
**Step 6: Rest and Serve**
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pork chops to retain their juices.
* Garnish with chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Rice Choice:** While white rice is recommended for its faster cooking time, you can use brown rice. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Brown rice typically requires about 45-50 minutes of cooking time and more liquid (about 2 1/2 to 3 cups of chicken broth).
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper in the Tex-Mex seasoning to control the spice level. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as zucchini, squash, or diced carrots. Add them along with the onion and bell pepper.
* **Protein Variations:** You can substitute the pork chops with chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Cheese:** Add shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a Mexican cheese blend to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Let the cheese melt before serving.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** Omit the pork chops and add extra black beans or other plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Add some heat:** Diced jalapeños can be added when sautéing the onions and peppers for a spicy kick!
* **Liquid Smoke:** For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke when simmering the rice.
## Serving Suggestions
This Tex-Mex Pork Chop and Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with the following sides:
* **Tortilla Chips and Salsa:** For a classic Tex-Mex appetizer.
* **Guacamole:** A creamy and flavorful dip.
* **Mexican Salad:** A refreshing salad with lettuce, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and a lime vinaigrette.
* **Cornbread:** A warm and comforting side.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the skillet in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the rice seems dry.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 5-7g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
## Printable Recipe Card
[Provide a visually appealing and printer-friendly recipe card here with all the ingredients and instructions clearly laid out.]## Conclusion
This Tex-Mex Pork Chop and Rice Skillet is a delicious and convenient meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a flavor fiesta in one pan!
Enjoy your culinary journey, and don’t hesitate to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!