Dutch Oven Pork Chops ⋆ Deb's Daily Dish

Name: Dutch Oven Pork Chops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone in pork chops, 1/2" thick, room temperature; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 medium onion, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes whole *; 1 zucchini sliced *; 1 yellow squash, sliced; 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped *; 2 sprigs fresh thyme *; 2 sprigs fresh sage *; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar; 2 teaspoons sugar or sugar substitute; chopped parsley for garnish; shaved parmesan cheese for garnish

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Dutch Oven pork chops are a quick and healthy family dinner recipe. You only need some simple ingredients and a few easy tips to ensure juicy, flavorful chops.

baked pork chops, zucchini, tomatoes on white plate.

Why this recipe is just so good....

Dutch oven cooking is one of my favorite ways to make dinner. You will love how quick and easy it is. You don't have to wait for Sunday to cook a family roast! Some other favorite pork recipes cooked with this method are Dutch Oven Pork Roast and Dutch Oven Pork Tenderloin.
Pork chops are a budget-friendly, low carb and keto form of protein. This recipe uses bone on chops since that makes for tastier pork.
With the addition of tomatoes and squash, this recipe can be a one-pot low carb meal.
And you don't need to make gravy, unless you prefer to. The cooked juices from the pork and vegetables make a delicious pan sauce to spoon over some mashed cauliflower, cauliflower rice.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

squash, tomatoes, onions, garlic, herb, seasonings on cutting board.

We are using cherry tomatoes but in a pinch you can use a can of drained, diced tomatoes.
The zucchini and squash cook very quickly in the oven and compliment the flavor of the pork. Broccoli, asparagus or spinach are also softer vegetables and should cook in about the same time as well.
When I can, I always use fresh herbs if available. Dried herbs, as long as they are not too old will do as a substitute. Try rubbing the dried spices between your fingers before you put in the pot to release the flavors.

Bone in pork chops are usually my preference over boneless. The chops turn out juicier and more flavorful, with less possibility of drying out.

How to make Dutch Oven Pork Chops

Heat olive oil over medium heat in the Dutch Oven. Rub salt and pepper onto the chops and pan sear each side of the pork for 1 minute. A lightly browned crust on the pork helps seal in the juices. Remove to platter.

browned squash, tomatoes, onions, garlic in Dutch Oven.

Heat remaining oil and lightly brown the onions and cook the garlic for a minute. Add the rest of vegetables and dried seasonings. Return the pork to Dutch oven. Stir together the balsamic vinegar and sugar and pour over the pork chops.

Top with the fresh herbs. Cover the pot and cook in oven for 30 minutes. Test for doneness. If pork registers at least 140°F., it is done. Let rest on platter and temperature will rise to 145°F, the USDA recommendation.

Cooking Tips

Remove pork from refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking.
Pat dry with a paper towel. This helps the meat to sear and not steam.
Season both sides of the pork for the best flavoring.
Don't overcook. Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness.
Since the chops are thin, and not a roast, they only need to rest briefly after removing from oven.

FAQ

Why use a Dutch Oven to cook?

A Dutch oven is a multipurpose, versatile piece of kitchen equipment that I believe everyone will love. I use my Dutch Oven every week; for roasts, vegetables, chilis and soups. According to America's Test Kitchen, it is heavy and thick enough to conduct and retain heat and deep enough to handle large cuts of meat and many quarts of liquid. (for soups)

How to keep pork chops from drying out?

The Huff Post has some great suggestions:
Buy bone in pork chops.
Bring meat to room temperature before cooking.
Try a marinade.
Quickly sear on the stove (to seal in juices) and finish in the oven.
Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
Let the pork chops rest briefly on platter before serving to allow juices to reabsorb into the meat.

Can pork chops be slightly pink?

The USDA recommends pork to be cooked to 145°F. You can take the meat out of the oven when it registers at least 140°F. The temperature will rise while it is on the platter due to carryover cooking. So as long as the pork reaches that temperature, it is safe to eat even if it is a bit pink.

How long to cook pork chops at 350°F

Depending on the thickness of the chop, they will cook between 20-40 minutes.
Half inch, bone in pork chops will need to cook for about 25-30 minutes. Boneless chops will need about 5 minutes less.
One inch chops will take about 30-40 minutes. Boneless needs approximately 5 minutes less. A meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness.

What to serve with Dutch Oven Pork Chops?

You don't need to make gravy, unless you prefer to. The cooked juices from the pork and vegetables make a delicious pan sauce to spoon over some mashed cauliflower, cauliflower rice. Or add a baked potato if not counting carbs.
However if you want gravy, simply remove the pork and vegetables to a platter and cover with aluminum foil.
Mix about ¼ cup of juices and 2 tablespoons of flour, cornstarch or Arrowroot powder. Heat the remaining juices in the Dutch oven on the stove top. Bring to a low boil and sprinkle the flour mixture into the Dutch oven. Stir well to thicken. Add vegetable or chicken broth if more liquid is needed.
We also love to cook other vegetables while the pork is in the oven. You could try some Fried Turnips or Sweet and Spicy Brussels sprouts.

dutch oven pork chops, tomatoes, squash on white platter.

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