Easy Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet Recipe for Dinner Joy

Hearty Tex-Mex pork chops and rice skillet promises a delightful culinary adventure straight from your kitchen.

Spices dance across tender meat, creating layers of robust flavor.

Home cooks adore this one-pan wonder that simplifies weeknight meals.

Southwestern seasonings infuse each bite with zesty character and warmth.

Quick preparation means you can have dinner ready in under thirty minutes.

Juicy pork nestled among fluffy rice guarantees satisfaction for everyone around the table.

Let this recipe become your new go-to comfort meal that sparks excitement at dinnertime.

Tex-Mex Pork Chops That Bring Heat and Hearty Flavor

• Whip Up a One-Skillet Wonder: Easy, speedy meal that minimizes kitchen cleanup and maximizes flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap ingredients easily based on preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe incredibly flexible for busy families.
• Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: Delivers restaurant-quality Tex-Mex flavors in just 30 minutes, perfect for hectic evenings when time is tight.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kid-approved dish that introduces mild spices and colorful vegetables in a delicious, approachable format that keeps everyone satisfied.

Tex-Mex Touches for Pork Chops and Rice Perfection

• Pork Chops: Classic meat cut with rich flavor, best when bone-in for more moisture.
• Black Beans: Hearty protein source, adds texture and nutrition to the dish.

• Long Grain White Rice: Neutral base that absorbs flavors well, quick cooking variety recommended.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Essential spice blend for classic Tex-Mex profile, provides warmth and depth.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall savory taste.
• Salsa: Brings tangy and fresh elements to the dish, store-bought or homemade works great.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Provide sweetness and texture, colorful additions that complement the meat.

• Cheese: Adds creamy richness, melts beautifully over the dish.

• Garlic Powder: Subtle background flavor, easy to incorporate.
• Cilantro, Diced Tomatoes, Jalapeños: Fresh toppings that add brightness and optional heat.

• Olive Oil: Helps with searing and prevents sticking.
• Lime Wedges: Adds fresh citrus note, brightens the entire dish.

Pork Chops Tex-Mex Skillet Method

Step 1: Spice and Sizzle the Pork

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the spices into the pork chops.

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over roaring medium-high heat.

Drop the pork chops and let them dance for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Transfer the chops to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Sauté these veggies until they soften and release their aromatic magic.

Introduce rice to the party and let it toast slightly for a minute.

• Chicken broth
• Zesty salsa
• Garlic powder
• Extra chili powder

Stir everything together into a vibrant, fragrant mixture.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Gently nestle the seared pork chops back into the skillet.

Cover with a tight lid and reduce the heat to a gentle whisper.

Let everything simmer and mingle for 20-25 minutes.

The rice will become tender, and the pork will reach a perfect 145°F internal temperature.

Step 4: Add Creamy Beans and Melty Cheese

Introduce black beans to the skillet and stir.

Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded cheese.

Cover and let the cheese transform into a molten layer of deliciousness for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flourish and Serve

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños

Serve piping hot with zingy lime wedges on the side.

Dinner is served!

Skillet Tips for Tex-Mex Pork Chops with Rice

• Pound chops to an even thickness before seasoning to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Replace white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and different texture, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.
• Control heat by choosing mild or hot salsa, and add extra chili powder or cayenne for more kick if desired.
• Use gluten-free chicken broth and confirm salsa ingredients to transform this recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Marinate pork chops in spice mix overnight to intensify flavor and tenderize meat before cooking in the skillet.

Pork Chops and Rice Skillet Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish intact for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Rice or Beans for Tex-Mex Pork Chops

• Pair with Cool Mexican Cerveza: Select a crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to cut through the rich, spicy flavors of the pork chops and complement the Tex-Mex seasoning.
• Boost with Zesty Margarita: Mix a classic margarita using tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to enhance the dish's citrusy notes and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty skillet.
• Complement with Fresh Pico de Gallo: Create a bright pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to add a fresh, tangy element that balances the warm, spiced pork and rice.
• Elevate with Creamy Avocado Salsa: Blend ripe avocados with green chilies, lime, and cilantro to create a smooth, cooling sauce that tames the dish's spiciness and adds luxurious creaminess.

Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet Options

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice and use gluten-free salsa to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and use lean chicken breasts instead of pork chops to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute pork chops with firm tofu or plant-based protein, using vegetable broth and adding extra beans for protein.
• Spicy Lovers' Remix: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, use hot salsa, and sprinkle cayenne pepper for an extra fiery kick.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts or beef steaks for pork chops. Adjust cooking times to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level from chili powder and salsa. You can control heat by choosing mild or hot salsa, or adjusting chili powder amount.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and salsa are certified gluten-free to be safe.

• What if I don't have fresh bell peppers?

Frozen bell peppers work great as a substitute. You can also use canned diced green chiles for a similar flavor profile and texture.

Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet brings spicy southwestern flavors to your dinner table. Juicy pork chops nestled in seasoned rice create a quick, hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops (3/4-inch thick, bone-in or boneless)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)

Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Jalapeno slices
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Mix chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a robust spice blend for the pork chops.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for searing.
3. Caramelize the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then relocate to a temporary plate.
4. Introduce diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
5. Gently fold rice into the vegetable mixture, allowing it to lightly toast and absorb the skillet’s flavors.
6. Pour chicken broth, salsa, garlic powder, and additional chili powder into the skillet, creating a vibrant liquid base.
7. Carefully return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the rice and sauce.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the dish to simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and pork reaches a safe internal temperature.
9. Incorporate black beans, stirring gently to distribute them evenly throughout the skillet.
10. Sprinkle cheese across the surface, covering the skillet to allow the cheese to melt smoothly.
11. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for added color and flavor.
12. Serve immediately with lime wedges, offering a bright, citrusy complement to the rich, spicy dish.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding hot sauce for heat-seekers or reducing for mild palates.
• Select bone-in pork chops for extra juiciness and deeper flavor, ensuring more tender meat during cooking.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using certified gluten-free salsa and checking chicken broth ingredients carefully.
• Transform into a meal prep friendly recipe by storing individual portions in airtight containers for quick lunches during the week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg