Easy Pioneer Woman Pork Chops And Sauerkraut Recipe That Wows

Pioneer Woman’s pork chops and sauerkraut represent a rustic culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

German-inspired comfort food meets midwest farmhouse cooking with this delectable dish.

Tangy sauerkraut provides a zesty counterpoint to rich, succulent meat that melts in your mouth.

Robust flavors develop through careful layering of ingredients and slow cooking techniques.

Each bite promises a complex harmony of sweet, sour, and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Home cooks adore this recipe for its straightforward preparation and crowd-pleasing results.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that celebrates hearty, unpretentious cooking:

Delight In The Tangy Twist Of Pork Chops And Sauerkaut

• Savor Sweet-Tangy Flavor Fusion: This recipe brilliantly balances the sharp tanginess of sauerkraut with the rich sweetness of brown sugar, creating a mouthwatering flavor profile that dances on your taste buds.
• Enjoy Effortless One-Dish Wonder: The simple method of layering ingredients and baking makes this dish incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for home cooks who want delicious results without complex cooking techniques.
• Transform Humble Ingredients: Ordinary pork chops and sauerkraut are elevated into a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal through strategic seasoning and slow-cooking, proving that magic happens with just a few key ingredients.
• Weeknight Dinner Champion: Ready in just over an hour, this hearty dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Essential Ingredients For Pioneer Woman Pork Chops And Sauerkaut

• Pork Chops: Bone-in center-cut loin chops provide the hearty protein base for this classic dish, best when fresh and well-marbled.

• Brown Sugar: Adds sweet caramelization and balances the tangy sauerkraut, use packed brown sugar for best results.
• Green Pepper: Provides a mild, fresh crunch and subtle vegetable flavor to the dish.
• Onion: Brings depth and aromatic sweetness, complementing the other ingredients.

• Canola Oil: Neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for achieving golden-brown sear on pork chops.
• Sauerkraut: Tangy fermented cabbage that adds a sharp, zesty flavor and helps tenderize the meat, best when using undrained.

How To Prepare Pioneer Woman Pork Chops And Sauerkaut

Step 1: Prepare The Skillet

Heat of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the oil is evenly distributed and hot.

Step 2: Brown The Pork Chops

Add 4 bone-in center-cut pork loin chops to the hot skillet. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. Transfer the browned chops to a separate plate.

Step 3: Layer The Sauerkraut Base

Spread half of the undrained sauerkraut evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 of the packed brown sugar over the sauerkraut layer.

Step 4: Position The Pork Chops

Carefully place the browned pork chops on top of the sauerkraut base, creating an even layer.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

• 1 medium green pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced

Distribute these ingredients evenly over the sauerkraut.

Step 6: Bake The Dish

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour, or until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Remove the baking dish from the oven carefully. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes, letting the flavors blend and intensify before serving.

Handy Pointers For Pioneer Woman Pork Chops And Sauerkaut

• Savor the Resting Period: Give those juicy pork chops a moment to breathe after baking. Letting meat rest helps redistribute delicious juices, guaranteeing each bite melts in your mouth with maximum flavor.
• Track Temperature Precisely: Grab your meat thermometer and nail the perfect doneness. 145°F means perfectly cooked pork chops that stay tender and never dry out.
• Sweeten Strategically: Play with brown sugar levels to control sauerkraut's personality. More sugar softens tangy edges, while less keeps that classic fermented punch front and center.
• Prep in Advance: Assemble this hearty dish ahead of time and let flavors dance in the refrigerator. Cold start? Just extend baking time slightly for a seamless meal solution.
• Transform Texture Through Browning: Sear those pork chops before baking to unlock deep, rich flavors. Quick browning creates a delectable crust that elevates the entire dish from simple to spectacular.

Tips For Storing Pioneer Woman Pork Chops And Sauerkaut

• Vacuum Seal: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for pork chops and sauerkraut. Remove all air from the storage bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor. Perfectly preserve your meal for extended storage up to 6 months with this method.
• Portion Packaging: Divide leftover pork chops and sauerkraut into individual serving sizes before storing. Use small airtight containers or freezer bags to make reheating quick and convenient. Each portion stays fresh and makes meal prep a breeze for busy weeknights.
• Glass Container Storage: Transfer cooled dish to sturdy glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Glass prevents flavor absorption and allows easy microwave reheating. Keep refrigerated for maximum taste preservation up to 4 days, ensuring your delicious meal stays crisp and appetizing.

Fun Variations On Pioneer Woman Pork Chops And Sauerkaut

• German-Style Upgrade: Add caraway seeds and diced apples to enhance the traditional flavor profile with a hearty, authentic touch.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Incorporate chopped jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to give the dish a bold, zesty southern-inspired heat.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace green peppers with roasted red peppers, sprinkle dried oregano, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.
• Smoky Bacon Infusion: Layer crispy bacon bits between sauerkraut layers and drizzle a small amount of bacon grease for an extra smoky, rich dimension to the classic recipe.

Parting Thoughts On Pioneer Woman Pork Chops And Sauerkaut

Pioneer Woman’s Pork Chops and Sauerkraut blend sweet, tangy German-inspired flavors that dance across palates with remarkable complexity.

Savory pork chops nestle between layers of caramelized sauerkraut, creating a harmonious culinary experience that whispers comfort and tradition.

Balanced brown sugar softens sauerkraut’s sharp edges, while green peppers and onions provide subtle aromatic undertones.

Home cooks seeking hearty, satisfying meals will discover this recipe transforms weeknight dinners into memorable gatherings.

Remarkable simplicity meets incredible taste in this one-pan wonder that promises deliciousness from first bite to last.

Passionate eaters, share this mouthwatering masterpiece, comment with your favorite twist, and spread delectable joy across social media platforms – because great recipes are meant to be celebrated together.

Pioneer Woman Pork Chops And Sauerkaut Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ree Drummond’s hearty pork chops with sauerkraut blend rustic ranch-style cooking with bold Midwestern flavors. Rich, tender meat nestled alongside tangy, fermented cabbage promises a comforting meal you’ll savor down to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 bone-in center-cut pork loin chops (8 ounces / 226 grams each)

Vegetables and Seasoning:

• 1 medium green pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• ¾ cup (170 grams) packed brown sugar

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) canola oil
• 1 jar (32 ounces / 907 grams) sauerkraut, undrained

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Instructions

1. Warm 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of canola oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a hot cooking surface.
2. Carefully position 4 bone-in center-cut pork loin chops into the heated oil, allowing each side to transform into a rich golden-brown color, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the seared chops to a separate plate.
3. Prepare a large baking dish by spreading an initial layer of undrained sauerkraut across the bottom, ensuring complete coverage of the dish’s base.
4. Generously sprinkle half of the 3/4 cup (150 grams) packed brown sugar evenly over the first sauerkraut layer, creating a sweet foundation.
5. Strategically arrange the previously browned pork chops atop the sauerkraut base, positioning them carefully to ensure even heat distribution.
6. Cover the pork chops with the remaining sauerkraut, creating a complete protective layer around the meat.
7. Distribute the remaining brown sugar across the top, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the sauerkraut and pork chops.
8. Slice 1 medium green pepper and 1 medium onion into thin strips, then scatter them uniformly over the sauerkraut layer for additional flavor complexity.
9. Seal the baking dish completely with aluminum foil or an appropriate lid to trap moisture and prevent excessive evaporation.
10. Place the covered dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), allowing the contents to slowly cook and tenderize for approximately 1 hour.
11. Confirm the pork chops are fully cooked by ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and exhibit a tender texture.
12. Carefully extract the baking dish from the oven, letting it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize and juices to redistribute throughout the dish.

Notes

• Sear those chops in a hot skillet to lock in rich, caramelized flavors that transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling everything in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook, giving spices and ingredients a chance to mingle and develop deeper taste profiles.
• Experiment with brown sugar quantities to create your perfect balance between the tangy sauerkraut and sweet undertones, letting your personal taste guide the final flavor.
• Guarantee perfectly cooked pork by using a reliable meat thermometer, watching for that magic 145°F internal temperature that promises juicy, safe-to-eat meat every single time.
• After pulling the dish from the oven, let the pork chops sit undisturbed for a few minutes, allowing precious juices to settle back into the meat and ensuring each bite is incredibly tender and succulent.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 465 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg