One-Pan Pork Chops and Potatoes in Tomato Pepper Sauce
Tender bone-in pork chops and little potatoes baked in a vibrant tomato sauce enriched with red peppers, kale, and aromatic herbs. This hearty one-pan dinner combines the comfort of crispy-seared pork with the freshness of cherry tomatoes and the earthiness of wilted kale. Perfect for busy weeknight family dinners, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal cleanup. The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes while chili flakes add a gentle heat that complements the savory pork.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp canola oil
- 4 pork chops, thick cut and bone-in
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 14 oz cans cherry tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp oregano, chopped
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 ½ lbs little potatoesbaby potatoes1:1size-equivalent
cut larger ones in half
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F
- 2
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
- 3
Sear pork chops until golden and crispy on each side
- 4
Remove pork chops to large casserole dish and wipe skillet clean
- 5
Add red onion and red pepper to skillet and cook until softened
- 6
Add minced garlic and chili flakes, cook briefly until fragrant
- 7
Add canned cherry tomatoes and oregano, stir to combine
- 8
Add vegetable broth, sugar, and salt
- 9
Bring to boil then reduce heat to simmer
- 10
Stir in kale until soft and combined
- 11
Add potatoes to casserole dish with pork chops
- 12
Cover with prepared sauce
- 13
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes
Tips
Pat pork chops dry before searing for the best golden crust and flavor development.
Choose similar-sized potatoes for even cooking throughout the baking time.
Let the dish rest 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container.
Can assemble casserole up to 4 hours ahead; add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cold.
Serve hot directly from casserole dish with crusty bread to soak up sauce.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip searing pork chops to avoid bland, pale meat.
Don't overcrowd skillet when searing to avoid steaming instead of browning.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
cut larger ones in half
FAQ
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Fresh potatoes work best for texture, but thawed frozen potatoes can work with slightly longer cooking time.
What if I don't have cherry tomatoes?
Regular diced canned tomatoes work perfectly as a substitute with the same measurements.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in oven or microwave until heated through.