Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops with Beans

Get out your skillet for these juicy and tender Cast Iron Pork Chops with Beans for a Parmesan-coated, hearty meal you will love.

Pork Chops in a Skillet Recipe

Pork chops are a budget-friendly protein option that is high in protein. Knowing how to cook them so they don’t dry out will make your dinners less expensive and more delicious.

A cast iron skillet when thoroughly warmed, holds its temperature and distributes heat evenly over the cooking surface.

This is a perfect option for searing a pork chop and still having a tender, juicy piece of meat.

Another reason we love the cast iron skillet is for recipes like this when pretty much the whole meal is prepared in one dish.

This reduces the amount of dirty dishes in the kitchen, especially for those individuals tagged with clean-up duty.

Try this combination of pork chops and parmesan white beans prepared in a skillet today.

We also love these Pork Chops and Rice Skillet and these Honey Garlic Pork Chops.

Ingredients

• Bone-in pork loin chops, about 6 ounces each
• White navy beans or Great Northern beans (with the liquid)
• Parmesan cheese freshly grated, divided
• Baby arugula
• Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Seasonings: kosher salt, minced garlic, black pepper, chopped onion, lemon, zest of a lemon, pepper, red pepper flakes, and juiced, thyme, rosemary and basil

Recipe Tips

• For Herbes de Provence- substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, rosemary and basil.
• Do not drain beans after opening. The liquid is needed later in the recipe.
• Not a fan of arugula? You can omit and replace it with a side item better suited to your preferences.

How to cook pork chops in a skillet with beans

Season the pork with salt and pepper. Add oil to a preheated large cast iron skillet and pan-sear pork chops on one side until browned, about 3 minutes.

Remove pork to a plate and set aside.

In the same warmed skillet, add the onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until translucent and browned on the edges.

Stir in garlic and cook until lightly browned and fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in the beans with the reserved liquid, lemon zest, and juice, Herbes de Provence, chili flakes, salt and pepper.

Bring to a simmer and cook to reduce the liquid, about 1 minute slightly.

Remove from the heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese.

Nestle the pork into the beans with the browned side facing up, exposing the tops.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan over the chops and beans.

Put the skillet with the pork and beans into a cold oven on the middle rack and then turn the broiler to high.

Cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into the center of a chop reads 145 degrees F and the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 5-10 minutes.

If the beans brown before the chops are done, move the skillet to a lower oven rack and continue cooking.

Remove from the oven and let stand for 3 minutes before serving.

While the pork is in the oven, dress the arugula with olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer each chop to a plate, topping each with some beans.  Divide dressed arugula among the plates.

What is the secret to juicy tender pork chops?

The secret to juicy, tender pork chops is cooking your chops correctly and using an instant read or digital thermometer.

Do not overcook your chops. Only cook pork chops to 145 degrees for juicy and tender pork chops.

After taking them off your heat source, place them aside to rest for 3 minutes.

Should you cover pork chops when pan frying?

When pan-frying a pork chop, it is important that you don’t add any extra liquid and do not cover the skillet.

A key to skillet success is preheating over medium-high heat before you add the pork chops.

Is it better to bake or pan fry pork chops?

The answer to this question is six of one and half dozen of the other. It depends on the recipe and personal preferences in cooking.

Pork chops are a tender, quick-cooking cut of meat. The use of pan frying can result in a good sear of your meat.

Is it good to fry pork chops in a cast iron skillet?

If you have a cast iron skillet, use it for this dish.

Once heated the skillet is ideal for pan-frying pork chops because it holds and distributes heat evenly over the cooking surface.

This method of cooking pork chops will give a nice seared crust and still allow them to be flavorful and juicy.

What is the best way to cook pork chops without drying them out?

The best way to keep your pork chops from drying out is to cook high temperature until an instant-read thermometer reads 145 degrees.

This can be done by grilling, pan-frying, or broiling.

Don’t forget to rest your pork chops for 3 minutes after taking them off the high heat.

Other Pork Chop Recipes

This Marry Me Pork Chops recipe makes the most tender chops in a heavy cream sauce loaded with rich Italian flavors from sundried tomatoes.

This Pork Chops and Rice Skillet recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dinner that combines tender, seared pork chops with Mexican-inspired rice.

Tender Air Fryer Bone In Pork Chops is an easy air fryer recipe dripping with the flavors of traditional meat rubs and an Italian spice kick that results in tender and juicy pork chops every time.