First Step: Gather and prep your ingredients to make everything smooth sailing. Start by measuring out 1 cup of uncooked long grain white rice, 1½ cups of whole milk, and 10.5 ounces of cream of celery condensed soup. This mise en place helps busy parents avoid any last-minute rushes and ensures the pork chops and rice casserole comes together quickly.

Second Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to get it ready for baking. While it’s heating, lightly spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, which is a small but important detail for that perfect pork chops and rice casserole texture.

Third Step: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice, 1½ cups whole milk, and 10.5 ounces cream of celery condensed soup until well combined. For dietary tweaks, like using chicken broth instead of milk, this is where you’d make the swap to keep your pork chops and rice casserole adaptable.

Fourth Step: Pour the rice mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, creating a solid base for the pork. This step is key for even cooking, especially if you’re aiming for a version that suits diet-conscious individuals by adding veggies here.

Fifth Step: In a small bowl, combine ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Liberally season both sides of the 4 boneless pork chops with this mix adjust amounts if you’re using bone-in chops for added flavor in your pork chops and rice casserole.

Sixth Step: Optionally, sear the pork chops on a hot griddle or skillet for about one minute per side. This adds extra color and taste, making your pork chops and rice casserole even more appealing, though you can skip it for convenience if time is tight.

Seventh Step: Place the seasoned pork chops directly on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. Make sure they’re arranged evenly so everything cooks uniformly, which is helpful for food enthusiasts experimenting with variations.

Eighth Step: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavors. This helps the rice become tender while the pork reaches that safe internal temperature, perfect for seniors or anyone watching their meals closely.

Ninth Step: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour. Check that the rice is tender and the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F for safety and juiciness. If you’re using substitutions like brown rice, precook it first to avoid uneven results in your pork chops and rice casserole.

Final Step: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, making your pork chops and rice casserole even more delicious. Pair it with simple sides like a fresh salad or green beans for a complete meal that fits various lifestyles, from students to working professionals.