Pork Chop One-Pan Supper: A Weeknight Classic

I remember the first time I made this dish. I was a young, aspiring cook, eager to impress my family with something beyond the usual rotation of spaghetti and meat sauce. The aroma of seared pork, mingled with the sweetness of onions and the comforting scent of stewed tomatoes, filled the kitchen. It was a simple, rustic meal, but the smiles around the dinner table that night made me realize the true magic of cooking: bringing people together with good food. Even now, decades later, this one-pan supper still brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to my kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 2 (6 ounce) boneless pork chops
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, preferably Italian flavored
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup broccoli spears
• 1/2 cup cauliflower spears
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil cooking spray

Equipment Needed

• Medium-size frypan (oven-safe preferred, or use a separate baking dish)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your pan. Spray a medium-sized frypan generously with vegetable oil cooking spray. If you don’t have an oven-safe frypan, select a similarly sized baking dish. Place the pan over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully place the pork chops in the heated pan. Sear the chops on all sides until they develop a nice golden-brown crust, approximately 5 minutes in total. Searing helps to lock in the juices and adds a depth of flavor to the final dish. Remove the pork chops from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the sliced onion to the same pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and just begins to turn brown, about 5 minutes. The caramelized onions will add sweetness and richness to the sauce.
4. Pour the can of stewed tomatoes into the pan with the onions. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Return the seared pork chops to the pan, nestling them amongst the tomatoes and onions. Cover the pan tightly and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes. This slow simmering process will help tenderize the pork chops and infuse them with the flavors of the sauce.
6. After 30 minutes, add the quartered potatoes around the outside of the pan, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Cover the pan again and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes.
7. Next, add the broccoli spears and cauliflower spears to the pan, distributing them evenly. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cover the pan once more and continue to simmer for a final 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender when pierced with a fork. The broccoli and cauliflower should be tender-crisp.
9. Serve the pork chops and vegetables hot, spooning plenty of the flavorful tomato sauce over each serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Searing is key: Don’t skip the searing step! It significantly enhances the flavor and texture of the pork chops. Ensure your pan is hot before adding the pork.
• Tender Pork Chops: For even more tender pork chops, consider marinating them for at least 30 minutes before searing. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works wonders.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute other vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Carrots, green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stewed tomatoes for a touch of heat.
• Browning Under the Broiler: If you want more color on the vegetables after simmering, remove the pork chops and vegetables, then put the pan under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Return the chops to the pan before serving.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Pork Chop One-Pan Supper immediately for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the supper in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat, or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. While freezing is possible, the texture of the potatoes and vegetables may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	529.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	21%
Total Fat	12.7 g	19%
Saturated Fat	4.3 g	21%
Cholesterol	114 mg	37%
Sodium	603.2 mg	25%
Total Carbohydrate	60.8 g	20%
Dietary Fiber	9.3 g	37%
Sugars	13.6 g	N/A
Protein	45 g	89%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Spicy Southwestern: Incorporate diced jalapenos, chili powder, and a can of black beans for a southwestern kick.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Use bone-in chops: Bone-in pork chops will impart even more flavor to the sauce. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Sweet Potatoes: Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor and nutritional boost.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time, as they tend to cook faster than fresh vegetables.

Q: What if I don’t have stewed tomatoes?
A: You can substitute with a can of diced tomatoes and a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can. Sear the pork chops, then place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q: How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
A: Remove the pork chops and vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the sauce and simmer until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

Q: Can I add wine to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Add 1/2 cup of dry white wine after cooking the onions. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly before adding the stewed tomatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Pork Chop One-Pan Supper is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor simple flavors, and connect with those you share it with. It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily adapt to your own taste and available ingredients. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious and comforting meal. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback! Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all that delicious sauce, and maybe a glass of your favorite red wine.