Flavorful & Easy Smothered Grilled Pork Chops: A Family Favorite Recipe
So flavorful and incredibly easy to prepare, this Smothered Grilled Pork Chops dinner is destined to become a beloved meal for everyone around your table! It combines the smoky goodness of grilled pork with a rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce that truly elevates a classic dish.
This recipe was created in partnership with Bush’s Beans, bringing you a delicious shortcut to an unforgettable meal.
If you’re a fan of succulent pork chops and the irresistible smoky flavor of barbecue, then prepare to fall in love with these Smothered Grilled Pork Chops. This recipe takes a simple cut of meat and transforms it into a comforting and incredibly flavorful dish, perfect for a casual family dinner or entertaining guests. While pork chops aren’t always a weekly staple in my kitchen, I recently found a fantastic deal on a couple of packages and knew it was the perfect opportunity to treat my mother-in-law, who absolutely adores them, to a special dinner.
This meal was generous enough to feed both my husband and me, alongside our appreciative in-laws. (I decided to spare the kids from the “dreaded peppers,” knowing their preferences! 😉) And let me tell you, the rave reviews were immediate and enthusiastic. The combination of perfectly grilled pork and the rich, savory smothering sauce was an absolute hit, making it a dish worth sharing with your loved ones.
Effortless Preparation for Maximum Flavor
You know, despite its impressive flavor profile, these smothered grilled pork chops are surprisingly straightforward and easy to prepare. A little bit of smart meal prep can make it even simpler. For instance, I cooked up some brown rice ahead of time, which significantly cut down on the overall cooking duration. With the grill handling the heavy lifting for the pork chops themselves, my primary focus was on creating the star of the show: the delectable “smother” sauce in the skillet.
And when it comes to the sauce, it truly couldn’t be easier, thanks to a fantastic shortcut. I utilized Bush’s Southern Pit Grillin’ Beans, adding them directly to the sautéed onions and peppers, and then simply letting everything simmer together for a bit. These beans are packed with robust, smoky barbecue flavor, instantly creating a rich and savory base for the perfect sauce for the pork chops. If Bush’s Grillin’ Beans aren’t available in your local store, don’t fret! You can easily substitute them with your favorite brand of baked beans, adjusting the seasoning slightly to taste. The goal is a thick, flavorful, and slightly sweet sauce that clings beautifully to the grilled pork.
Mastering the Grill: Tips for Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops
Achieving perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops is key to this recipe’s success. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, a few simple tips can make all the difference. The primary goal is to cook the pork chops thoroughly without overcooking them, which can lead to dry, tough meat. The thickness of your pork chops will heavily influence their cooking time, so a meat thermometer is always your best friend. For bone-in chops, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a crucial resting period. Boneless chops will cook faster and may reach this temperature quicker.
If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can still achieve a fantastic result. Simply pan-sear the pork chops in a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until beautifully browned on both sides. Then, transfer them to a preheated oven (around 375°F / 190°C) to finish cooking through. This method locks in the juices and develops a delicious crust.
For those using a grill, I highly recommend watching this insightful video from Weber, which provides excellent guidance on grilling basic pork chops. While I personally lean towards a gas grill for convenience, the principles apply universally, whether you’re using gas or charcoal. I’ve found that some chops, especially thicker ones, require a bit more time than others. Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts and test for doneness while they’re on the grill. A fantastic tactile method I often use is the “finger test,” which Elise’s visual how-to post at Simply Recipes illustrates perfectly. It’s a great way to gauge the meat’s firmness without continually cutting into it.
To further ensure tenderness, consider marinating your pork chops for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours, before grilling. A simple marinade with olive oil, a touch of acid like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, and your chosen seasonings can work wonders. Even a dry rub, like the one in this recipe with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar, adds incredible flavor and helps create a beautiful crust.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper and How to Customize It
This Smothered Grilled Pork Chops recipe is undeniably a keeper, and the feedback I received solidifies its place in our regular rotation! My father-in-law left me the sweetest message the other night, declaring it one of the best dinners I’d ever made for him. That kind of praise is truly the best reward for any home cook! My husband echoed his sentiments, raving about the meal for days.
While this dish was a resounding success with the adults, I’m always looking for ways to adapt recipes for the younger members of the family. If I can figure out a clever way to get my kids to embrace the peppers, this meal would become a regular fixture on our dinner table. Perhaps a different vegetable swap is in order? I’m considering replacing the bell peppers with milder, kid-friendly alternatives like zucchini and summer squash, much like I did in these fajitas. It’s a promising idea that could make this flavorful dish appealing to even the pickiest eaters!
Beyond kid-friendly modifications, feel free to get creative with the sauce. A dash of Worcestershire sauce, a spoonful of Dijon mustard, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar could add extra depth. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño can be incorporated with the onions and peppers. This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s specific tastes and preferences. Serve it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Looking for More Delicious Pork Chop Recipes?
If these smothered grilled pork chops have you in the mood for more pork chop inspiration, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes from the blog:
- Sheet Pan Chinese Five Spice Pork Chops with Broccoli
- Parmesan Baked Pork Chops
Print Recipe
Smothered Grilled Pork Chops with Bush’s Southern Pit BBQ Grillin’ Beans
Yield: 4 – 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 – 1.75 lbs pork chops (about 4-5 chops), bone-in or boneless
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
- 1 large Vidalia onion (or other sweet onion), thinly sliced
- 2 large bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
- 1 (28 ounce) can Bush’s Southern Pit Barbecue Grillin’ Beans (or your favorite baked beans)
Directions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400-450°F / 200-230°C).
- In a large, sturdy skillet (oven-safe if you plan to transfer to the oven), heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and season them lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and become tender-crisp.
- Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the entire can of Bush’s Southern Pit Barbecue Grillin’ Beans (including their sauce) into the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- While the sauce is simmering and the vegetables are cooking, prepare your pork chops. In a small bowl, combine the coarse salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to create your dry rub. Liberally coat both sides of each pork chop with this flavorful rub, pressing it gently to adhere.
- Carefully place the seasoned pork chops onto the hot grill grates. Grill for approximately 5 minutes on one side, allowing a nice sear to develop. Flip the pork chops and cook the other side for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) when measured with a reliable meat thermometer. Remember that thicker chops may require a few extra minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and place them on a clean plate. Tent them loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for at least 3 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly tender and moist pork chops.
- When you’re ready to serve, plate each grilled pork chop and generously spoon the warm, flavorful onion, pepper, and bean mixture over the top. This dish is absolutely delicious and best served immediately with a side of fluffy brown rice to soak up all the fantastic sauce.
This recipe was developed in partnership with and for Bush’s Beans, celebrating great flavor and easy cooking.
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