If there’s one recipe that wraps you up in a cozy hug, it’s got to be this pork chop stuffing bake. Imagine juicy, seasoned pork chops resting on a bed of herby, savory stuffing, all baked together in one dish. It’s comforting, satisfying, and feels like something Grandma would whip up for Sunday dinner.
The best part? It’s super easy to make and doesn’t break the bank. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed family meal, this dish hits all the right notes. Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love This Pork Chop Stuffing Bake
This recipe is a dinner lifesaver. It’s affordable (yay for sticking to the grocery budget), simple enough for any cooking skill level, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, which means fewer dishes to wash later. Bonus: it’s a crowd-pleaser—no picky eater complaints here.
Cost Per Serving
Let’s talk numbers, because who doesn’t love knowing they’re feeding the family without emptying their wallet?
Here’s the cost breakdown:
- Pork chops: $10 for a pack of 4
- Stuffing mix: $2
- Celery, onion, and seasonings: $2.50
- Chicken broth: $1.50
That’s a total of $16 for a meal that serves four people. It works out to $4 per serving—pretty sweet deal for a dish that feels this fancy, right?
What You’ll Need
Before we get to the fun part (cooking!), grab these ingredients:
- 4 pork chops (boneless, thick-cut is best)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 6 oz stuffing mix (Stove Top or your favorite brand)
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish, if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Make Pork Chop Stuffing Bake
This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, and searing the pork chops first adds so much flavor.
Here’s the game plan:
Step 1: Season the Pork Chops
Preheat your oven to 400°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, pat your pork chops dry with a paper towel (helps them sear better!). Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Once the skillet is nice and hot, sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes per side until you get that golden-brown crust. This step makes all the difference. Set the seared chops aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in the chopped celery and onion. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and smell amazing. This step brings out the best in your stuffing.
Step 4: Prep the Stuffing
In the same pot, combine the stuffing mix, sautéed veggies, and chicken broth. Stir it all together until the stuffing is evenly moistened—it should be soft but not soggy.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Grease a baking dish (no one likes stuck-on stuffing). Spread the prepared stuffing across the bottom, then lay the seared pork chops on top. As it bakes, the juices from the pork will soak into the stuffing—so good.
Step 6: Bake It
Bake this for 15-20 minutes or until your pork chops are completely cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F. Make sure you check regularly as cooking time is based heavily on the thickness of your porkchops.
Tips for the Best Pork Chop Stuffing Bake
- Choosing Your Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops add extra flavor and stay juicier during baking. If you prefer boneless, make sure they’re thick-cut to avoid drying out.
- Sear for Extra Flavor: Searing the pork chops before baking creates a golden-brown crust that locks in the juices and adds a layer of caramelized flavor.
- Perfecting the Stuffing: Make sure you get the right moisture balance on your stuffing. The stuffing should be moist but not soggy. Add the chicken broth gradually and stir as you go.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is super versatile!
- Swap pork chops for chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand.
- Use homemade stuffing if you want to control the seasoning and ingredients.
- Add a layer of cream of mushroom soup or gravy over the pork chops for a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
While this pork chop stuffing bake is hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal, pairing it with the right sides can take it to the next level. Since the bake is rich and filling, I’d recommend balancing it out with vegetable-based sides to keep things lighter and more refreshing.
Here are some ideas to inspire your plate:
- Steamed Green Beans: Bright, crisp, and simple, green beans are the perfect counterbalance to the savory stuffing and tender pork chops. Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for extra flavor.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts until they’re caramelized and slightly crispy brings out their natural sweetness. A drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving adds a tangy touch that pairs beautifully with the bake.
- Fresh Garden Salad: Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. The lightness and acidity of the salad provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
FAQ
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Bone-in chops tend to stay juicier and have a richer flavor. Just make sure they’re cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Q: What’s the best stuffing mix to use?
A: Any boxed stuffing mix works well. Stove Top is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite brand or even homemade stuffing.
Q: How do I keep the pork chops from drying out?
A: Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking, and don’t overcook the pork chops. Using thick-cut chops also helps retain moisture.
Time to Get Cooking!
This pork chop stuffing bake is the definition of comfort food—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for weeknights, but fancy enough for company. Once you try it, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.
If you give it a go, let me know in the comments or tag me on social media—I’d love to see how it turns out!
Pork Chop Stuffing Bake
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops bone-in or thick-cut boneless
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 6 oz stuffing mix e.g., Stove Top or homemade
Instructions
Prepare the Pork Chops
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (190°C).
- Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
Sear the Pork Chops
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Add the chopped celery and onion, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Prepare the Stuffing
- In the same pot, combine stuffing mix, sautéed veggies, and chicken broth. Stir until evenly moistened but not soggy.
Assemble the Bake
- Grease a baking dish and spread the stuffing mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Place the seared pork chops on top of the stuffing.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Serve and Enjoy
- Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite veggie sides!
