Tangy BBQ Pork Chop Stew - Comfort in a Bowl!
Nutritional value per serving
Calories400kcal
Carbs25gram
Fat15gram
Protein35gram
Ingredients
- Pork chops (bone-in, about 1 inch thick) - choose fresh, pink meat with firm texture4 piece
- Onion - select firm, dry-skinned onions without soft spots1 medium
- Garlic cloves - firm and dry3 piece
- Carrot - fresh and firm2 medium
- Potatoes - choose firm and unbruised3 medium
- Bell pepper (any color) - bright and smooth skin1 piece
- Barbecue sauce - your favorite bottled variety1 cup
- Chicken or vegetable broth - low sodium preferred2 cups
- Olive oil - extra virgin for better flavor2 tbsp
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepper (freshly ground)to taste n/a
- Smoked paprika (optional)1 tsp
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)2 tbsp
This Tangy BBQ Pork Chop Stew is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for any day when you want a filling, flavorful meal that's easy to prepare. Featuring tender pork chops simmered in a tangy BBQ sauce with vegetables, this stew brings BBQ flavors indoors with less hassle. Total ingredient cost is approximately $10 USD, €9, £7.5, or ₹800, making it an economical dish. Each serving contains approximately 400 kcal, suitable for a balanced diet focusing on moderate protein and carbs. The recipe is straightforward (easy level), with about 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking time. Safe cooking temperatures and food safety tips are clearly highlighted to ensure you cook with confidence and care.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
1Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Peel and dice the carrots and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and chop the bell pepper into chunks. Ensuring uniform size helps even cooking and better stew texture. (Time: 10 minutes)
Brown the Pork Chops
2Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add pork chops to the pot and brown on each side for about 3 minutes until nicely colored. This enhances flavor through caramelization. (Time: 6 minutes)
Sauté Aromatics
3Remove browned pork chops to a plate. In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits. These bits add delicious depth to the stew. (Time: 3 minutes)
Add Vegetables and Liquids
4Add carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper to the pot, stirring for 2 minutes. Pour in barbecue sauce and broth. Stir well to combine. Return pork chops to the pot, nestling them among the vegetables. The liquid should cover the ingredients about halfway. (Time: 5 minutes)
Simmer the Stew
5Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 35 minutes, occasionally checking to ensure it simmers gently without boiling. The stew is ready when pork is tender and vegetables are cooked through. (Time: 35 minutes)
Check for Doneness and Safety
6Use a food thermometer to ensure the pork chops reach an internal temperature of at least 71°C (160°F), which is safe for pork. The meat should feel tender and juices run clear. Also, ensure vegetables are soft enough to your liking. (Time: 2 minutes)
Serve and Garnish
7Taste the stew and add salt or pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for freshness. Enjoy your hearty BBQ pork chop stew warm. (Time: 2 minutes)
Cooking Tips
1Use bone-in pork chops for more flavorful and moist meat.
2If you prefer a spicier stew, add a pinch of chili flakes with the paprika.
3Make sure not to boil the stew vigorously, to keep meat tender and prevent broth from reducing too much.
4Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.
Equipment Needed
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot with lid (like a Dutch oven)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food thermometer
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Pork chops (4 pieces, bone-in) - approx. $6 - Choose fresh with a nice pink color and firm texture.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) - approx. $0.50 - Pick firm onions without soft spots.
- [ ] Garlic (3 cloves) - approx. $0.30 - Choose plump cloves with dry skin.
- [ ] Carrots (2 medium) - approx. $0.40 - Pick firm, vibrant carrots.
- [ ] Potatoes (3 medium) - approx. $0.90 - Choose firm potatoes without sprouts or bruises.
- [ ] Bell pepper (1 piece) - approx. $1.00 - Select with smooth skin and no blemishes.
- [ ] Barbecue sauce (1 cup) - approx. $1.00 - Use your favorite brand or homemade.
- [ ] Chicken or vegetable broth (2 cups) - approx. $1.00 - Low salt preferred.
- [ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) - small quantity; typically pantry staple.
- [ ] Salt, pepper, smoked paprika - pantry staples.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) - approx. $0.50
Total Approximate Cost: $11.60
FAQ
Can I use boneless pork chops instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Watch cooking time accordingly and check internal temperature carefully.
What if I don't have barbecue sauce?
You can substitute with a mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices to create a quick BBQ-style sauce.
How do I avoid the pork chops being tough?
Avoid high heat cooking for too long. Browning the meat first then slow simmering in liquid will help keep the pork tender.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the meat and sautéing aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until pork is tender and cooked through.