The Hearty One-Dish Pork Chop Supper: A Weeknight Wonder

There are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug on a plate, and for me, this one-dish pork chop supper is precisely that. I remember vividly the crisp autumn evenings when my mother would prepare this meal. The comforting aroma of browning pork mingled with simmering vegetables would fill our kitchen, a promise of a simple, satisfying dinner. It was the kind of meal that allowed her to tend to other household chores, a gentle simmer in the background, while we children buzzed with homework and playground tales. This dish embodies efficiency and flavor, proving that a truly wonderful meal doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
• Total Time: 55-65 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: One hearty skillet meal
• Dietary Type: Omnivore

Ingredients

This recipe champions the beauty of a few, well-chosen ingredients that come together harmoniously.

• 6 pork loin chops, each about 3/4 inch thick
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch cubes
• 5 medium carrots, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
• 3 cups beef broth

Equipment Needed

For this simple yet satisfying supper, you’ll need:

• A large, sturdy skillet with a lid (cast iron is excellent for its heat retention)
• A sharp knife for preparing the vegetables
• A peeler for the potatoes
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Bringing this one-dish wonder to life is a straightforward process, designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

1. Begin by preparing the pork chops. Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish or on a plate. Lightly dredge each pork chop in the flour, shaking off any excess. This coating will help create a lovely crust and thicken the cooking liquid.

2. Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the pork chops. Brown them on both sides until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the browned chops from the skillet and set them aside momentarily.

3. To the same skillet, now with the flavorful drippings, add the prepared vegetables: the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and onion wedges.

4. Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the vegetables. Give them a quick stir to distribute the seasonings.

5. Return the browned pork chops to the skillet, nestling them amongst the vegetables.

6. Pour the beef broth over everything in the skillet. Ensure the liquid comes up around the pork and vegetables, but doesn’t completely submerge them.

7. Bring the contents of the skillet to a boil over medium-high heat.

8. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with its lid, and simmer. Let it cook for 40 to 50 minutes, or until both the pork and the vegetables are fork-tender. The simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the ingredients to become incredibly tender.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Achieving a Perfect Sear: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the pork chops. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, brown the chops in batches to allow them to sear rather than steam.
• Vegetable Uniformity: Cutting the potatoes and carrots into consistent sizes ensures they cook evenly. If your potatoes are very large, you might want to cut them into slightly smaller pieces to ensure tenderness within the cooking time.
• Broth Versatility: While beef broth provides a rich foundation, you can substitute chicken broth or even vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf to the broth during simmering.
• Checking for Doneness: The pork chops should easily pull apart with a fork, and the vegetables should be tender enough to be easily pierced. If after 50 minutes, they aren’t quite there, simply continue to simmer, covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• The Power of Resting: While this is a one-pot meal, letting it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes after cooking can allow the juices to redistribute, making the pork even more succulent.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This one-dish pork chop supper is a complete meal on its own, but a crusty bread for soaking up the delicious pan juices is always a welcome addition. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the portions in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave until heated through. Be mindful not to overheat, which can dry out the pork.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per serving. Please note that these values can vary based on the specific cuts of pork and sizes of vegetables used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	301.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	5.2 g	8%
Saturated Fat	0.9 g	4%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	1266.4 mg	52%
Total Carbohydrate	57 g	19%
Dietary Fiber	7.4 g	29%
Sugars	4.7 g	18%
Protein	8.1 g	16%

(Note: The “Calories from Fat” percentage is not directly provided in the source data and is therefore omitted. The original source data for nutrition information appears to be somewhat malformed, leading to a less precise breakdown.)

Variations & Substitutions

• Herb Swap: If thyme isn’t your favorite, consider using rosemary or a blend of Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other sturdy vegetables that can withstand simmering, such as celery, parsnips, or turnips, cut to similar sizes as the potatoes and carrots.
• Creamy Finish: For a richer sauce, after the pork and vegetables are tender, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter just before serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I use thicker pork chops for this recipe?
A: Yes, but you may need to adjust the simmering time to ensure the thicker chops cook through completely.

Q: What if I don’t have beef broth?
A: Chicken broth or even a good quality vegetable broth will work as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: While this recipe is designed for the stovetop, you could adapt it for a slow cooker by searing the pork first on the stove, then adding all ingredients to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Q: How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?
A: Browning the pork chops properly and not overcooking them are key. Ensure the skillet is covered during simmering to trap moisture.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your beef broth is gluten-free and omit the flour dredging for the pork chops. You could use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce at the end if desired.

Final Thoughts

This one-dish pork chop supper is a testament to the fact that hearty, satisfying meals can be both simple and incredibly delicious. It’s the kind of dish that earns its place in your regular rotation, a reliable friend on busy weeknights or when you crave uncomplicated comfort. I encourage you to gather these few ingredients, follow these straightforward steps, and let the magic of simple cooking unfold. Serve it with a sense of ease, knowing that a wonderful meal awaits, and perhaps, share your experiences and any creative twists you discover. Enjoy!