Tender pork chops with Spanish rice -made for busy nights! Use your favorite salsa in this one pan pork chop and rice recipe- sure to become a family favorite.
This recipe originally published September 2018, now updated with new photos and detailed cooking tips.
Pork chops with easy Mexican rice is one of my favorite recipes. It is so easy to prepare and I usually turn to this recipe when I am short on time and need a quick recipe.
I've made this recipe with bone-in pork chops, boneless pork chops and also with pork tenderloin. The recipe calls for onions and peppers but they are optional! The salsa gives you all the flavor, so don't stress over chopping veggies unless you just want to include them. In addition, you can totally make this recipe low carb by using cauliflower rice- here's my recipe for Pork Tenderloin with Cauliflower Rice.
Can diabetics eat Mexican Rice?
If you have looked at any other recipes here, you may notice that most of them are low carb and/or diabetes-friendly. This recipe can most definitely be used for a diabetes diet. Brown rice/instant brown rice adds extra fiber to your diet. Studies suggest fiber can help normalize glucose levels. Be sure to measure your rice portion (⅓ cup cooked rice = 15gm carb). Also, as mentioned above, you can forgo the rice and substitute cauliflower rice.
If you are looking for more low carb meal options, check out Low Carb Pork Lettuce Wraps,Low Carb Beef Stroganoff Bowl and 10 Diabetes Friendly Bowl Recipes.
Ingredients
- Pork- use pork chops, sliced pork tenderloin or tenderized pork chops
- Peppers- green or red bell peppers work well
- Rice- any type rice may be used. Check label for cooking times.
- Salsa- choose your favorite brand
Instructions
If you decide to use chopped peppers in your Mexican rice, you may use whatever peppers you like or have on hand. I used a multicolored selection of summer peppers.
Brown your pork chops or tenderloin in hot oil to add extra flavor. Make sure the pork is fully cooked. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
After removing the chops, saute the veggies. Add more oil to the skillet if needed.
When the veggies are tender, add the uncooked rice and stir.
Measure liquids including the salsa and add to the skillet.
The skillet with the veggies, rice and liquid prior to cooking.
After the rice is cooked, the pork is placed on top.Feel free to sprinkle your favorite cheese over the pork chops and Mexican rice.
Top Tips
- If using brown rice, be aware that cooking times will be longer than white or instant rice.
- Avoid overcooking pork. Pork tenderloin slices can be quickly seared as rice finishes cooking. Pork is fully cooked at 145 degrees.
Did you make this recipe? Leave your star rating and comments below!
Recipe
Pork Chops and Spanish Rice
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil, divided
- salt and pepper
- 1 lb tenderized boneless pork chops or pork tenderloin, sliced
- 1 cup peppers, diced (any type)
- 2 each green onions, diced
- 1 cup rice uncooked
- 1 ¼ cup lower sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup salsa, your favorite brand
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cheddar cheese optional
Instructions
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to large skillet and heat on medium.
- Salt and pepper pork chops/tenderloin as desired then add to skillet and cook 2-3 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove pork from skillet and keep warm.
- Add remaining ½ tablespoon oil to skillet and sauté peppers and onions 1-2 minutes over medium heat. Add rice and continue sautéing until rice is slightly browned.
- Add remaining ingredients (except cheese) and stir. Bring rice mixture to a simmer. Cover rice and cook until tender. (See pkg directions for the specific rice you are using). Fluff rice with a fork then place cooked pork on top of rice.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and allow to melt. Serve.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- If using brown rice or instant brown rice, be sure to check the cooking time and adjust accordingly. Brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Increase broth if needed.
- Avoid overcooking pork. Pork tenderloin slices can be quickly seared as rice finishes cooking. Pork is fully cooked at 145 degrees.
Tracy
How much rice did you use
Charlotte
1 cup rice
Dianna
If I’m using cauliflower rice, do I use the same 1 cup?
Charlotte
Since 1 cup raw rice equals 2 cups cooked, I would use 2 cups cauliflower rice. Hope that helps!