Tomato Pork Loin Chops are juicy and flavorful. They’re made with tender pork chops topped with a rich tomato sauce that brings everything together. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
These chops are so easy to make, you’ll have time to prep a side dish or maybe even a salad! I love the way the sauce pairs with the pork and keeps it nice and moist.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Loin Chops: These chops are lean and cook well in this recipe. If you can’t find pork loin chops, boneless pork chops or even chicken thighs would work nicely as a substitute. Just keep an eye on cooking times to ensure they are tender.
Canned Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes are great for a thick sauce, but if you only have diced tomatoes or tomato puree, feel free to use those! The flavors will be just as good. For a fresher taste, you could use more cherry tomatoes in place of crushed ones.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a warm flavor. If you don’t have it, you can swap it with regular paprika, or even a little chili powder if you prefer some heat. Adjust red pepper flakes to your taste – I love a bit of spice!
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on Pork Chops?
Searing pork chops well locks in their juiciness and adds a fantastic color. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the oil; this helps create a nice crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you have more chops, cook them in batches.
- Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes undisturbed for a golden brown finish. Check that they release easily from the pan.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – pork should reach 145°F (63°C).
Following these tips will help your chops turn out delicious every time!
How to Make Tomato Pork Loin Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 pork loin chops, about 1-inch thick
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (plus fresh thyme for garnish, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tomato Pork Loin Chops recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chops:
Start by seasoning both sides of the pork loin chops with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
2. Searing the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the pan. Sear the chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Cooking the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened and lightly caramelized, stirring occasionally.
4. Adding Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Watch it closely so the garlic doesn’t burn!
5. Making the Tomato Sauce:
Now, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken a bit and the tomatoes to soften.
6. Combining with Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth (or water), stirring to combine everything. Return the pork chops to the skillet, making sure they are nestled in the tomato sauce.
7. Simmering:
Next, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. This will cook the pork chops through and make them tender.
8. Final Touch:
After simmering, remove the lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly if you prefer. Stir gently to keep the pork chops intact.
9. Garnishing:
Finally, serve the tomato pork loin chops hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of freshness. Enjoy your meal!
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce. Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pork loin chops, you can use bone-in or boneless pork chops, or even pork tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you like your dishes with a kick, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
What Should I Serve With Tomato Pork Loin Chops?
This dish pairs well with many sides. I recommend serving with mashed potatoes, rice, or a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. A side salad or roasted vegetables would also complement the meal nicely!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may want to add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
