One-Pan Taco Pork Chops: Your New Favorite Easy & Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Elevate your Taco Tuesday (or any night!) with these incredibly simple, one-pan Taco Pork Chops. Featuring tender, boneless pork chops simmered to perfection in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.
I’ve been absolutely bursting with excitement to share this fantastic Taco Pork Chops recipe with all of you, and the day has finally arrived! This dish instantly became a huge hit in my household, winning over even the skeptics who are usually quite indifferent to pork chops. It’s truly a game-changer for weeknight meals, bringing a vibrant, satisfying flavor that’s hard to resist.
While we call them “Taco Pork Chops,” the incredible sauce could honestly be best described as a savory, slightly smoky red enchilada sauce. It’s deeply flavorful, coating each tender chop beautifully and making every bite a delight. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the remarkable depth of flavor it achieves with common pantry staples.
SOME OF THE ITEMS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS; I AM A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES. I AM ALSO AN AFFILIATE FOR OTHER BRANDS. HOWEVER, I ONLY PROMOTE THINGS THAT I LOVE AND THINK YOU WILL LOVE, TOO. FOR MY ENTIRE DISCLOSURE POLICY PLEASE CLICK HERE.
This incredible recipe hails from “The One-Pot Paleo Cookbook,” the brand-new culinary masterpiece by my talented friend, Shelby. This beautifully crafted cookbook is a treasure trove of over 100 recipes, all designed to be made in a single pot – whether that’s a versatile skillet, a convenient sheet pan, or a slow cooker. The genius behind one-pot cooking is its inherent ease, not just in preparation but also in the minimal cleanup required afterward. As someone who appreciates both delicious food and a tidy kitchen, I can confidently say, who wouldn’t love that? I’ve already bookmarked at least ten pages of recipes I can’t wait to try next!
One-pot meals are a lifesaver for busy individuals and families. They streamline the cooking process, often reducing the number of complex steps and ingredient preparations. This means less time fussing over multiple pots and pans, and more time enjoying your meal and the company of your loved ones. From stir-fries to stews, and now these amazing taco pork chops, the one-pot method proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to come with a mountain of dishes.
Exploring the World of Paleo Cooking
I must be upfront and honest: I personally haven’t embraced the Paleo or Keto lifestyle. However, as a dedicated food blogger, I frequently receive requests for such recipes and am always keen to explore diverse dietary approaches. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to guide my readers to reliable, tried-and-true resources, whether they’re blogs or cookbooks, that genuinely cater to their dietary preferences. This recipe, from Shelby’s “The One-Pot Paleo Cookbook,” is an excellent example of such a resource.
Shelby, the brilliant author behind this cookbook, is also the creative force behind two fantastic food blogs: Grumpys Honeybunch and Honeybunch Hunts. Her expertise in crafting flavorful, accessible recipes, especially within specific dietary frameworks, is truly commendable. She makes healthy eating approachable and enjoyable, which is a rare and valuable talent in the culinary world.
The Paleo and Keto diets have gained significant traction in recent years, with many individuals turning to them for various health benefits, including weight management, improved energy levels, and reduced inflammation. While I may not follow these diets myself, I deeply respect the choices people make for their well-being and am always happy to share high-quality content that supports those choices. Shelby’s work is a testament to how delicious and satisfying these lifestyles can be.
Understanding the Paleo Diet: A Return to Our Roots
The Paleo diet, often referred to as the “Caveman Diet” or “Stone Age Diet,” is fundamentally rooted in the “Hunting and Gathering” eating philosophy of our Paleolithic ancestors, dating back as far as 2 million years ago. The core idea is to consume foods that were available to humans before the advent of agriculture and industrial food processing. This means focusing on whole, unprocessed ingredients that our bodies are arguably best adapted to digest.
At its heart, a Paleo-style of eating emphasizes lean meats, fish, fresh vegetables, fruits, seeds, and nuts – essentially, anything that could have been hunted or gathered in the wild. The philosophy steers clear of foods introduced with modern agriculture, such as grains (like wheat, rice, corn), legumes (beans, lentils, peanuts), and most dairy products. The reasoning is that these foods contain antinutrients and other compounds that our primal digestive systems might not be optimized to handle, potentially leading to inflammation and various health issues.
There are, however, a few notable exceptions within the Paleo framework. For instance, green beans are often considered acceptable despite being legumes, due to their lower lectin content. Similarly, ghee, a type of clarified butter, is generally allowed because the milk solids – which contain most of the problematic dairy proteins – have been removed during its preparation. This makes ghee a dairy-free fat source that many Paleo followers incorporate into their cooking.
Shelby’s cookbook does an outstanding job of demystifying the Paleo diet, not only explaining its principles but also delving into its potential health benefits. She guides readers on how to thoughtfully adopt this way of eating, harkening back to a time when all food was organic by default, free from the weird additives, preservatives, and processed ingredients that are so common in today’s modern diet. Her explanations make it clear that eating Paleo isn’t just about restriction; it’s about nourishing your body with wholesome, natural foods.
Why These Taco Pork Chops Stole My Heart
Out of the impressive collection of over 100 recipes in Shelby’s cookbook, you might wonder why I immediately gravitated towards these Taco Pork Chops. Well, the first and most obvious answer is simply “taco.” If you’ve followed my culinary adventures for any length of time, you know I possess an unwavering adoration for all things taco-flavored! There’s an undeniable joy in the vibrant spices and versatile nature of Mexican-inspired cuisine, and this recipe perfectly encapsulates that.
Beyond my personal bias for taco flavors, I also get a huge kick out of creatively reinventing our Taco Tuesdays. While there’s nothing wrong with the classic ground-beef-and-crunchy-shell style tacos (a nod to our beloved Taco Bell favorites!), it’s exciting to introduce variety and unexpected twists. These Taco Pork Chops offer a delightful departure from the norm, proving that taco-inspired meals can be incredibly diverse and exciting.
Other Fun Taco Tuesday Recipes to Try:
- Taco Loaded Baked Potatoes
- Mom’s Taco Casserole
- Taco Stew
- Baked Shredded Beef Tacos
- Taco Tot Casserole
- Taco Meatloaf
Another significant reason I chose this particular recipe to share with you, especially relevant in our current climate, is its practicality. In times when we’re encouraged to stay home, to shop only when absolutely necessary, and to make the most of what we have on hand, resourceful cooking becomes paramount. When I first received an early copy of Shelby’s book a few weeks ago, its captivating cover immediately drew me in, and I couldn’t wait to explore its pages.
As I flipped through, eyeing tempting options like the Chopped Veggie Salad Bowl, Easy Cod Curry, Sheet Pan Pork Fajitas, and Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry, I often found myself in a familiar predicament: I was always missing one crucial ingredient. It’s a common frustration when trying to cook from scratch, especially when trying to minimize grocery trips. Then, I landed on the Taco Pork Chops. It was a moment of pure culinary joy, sparking an impromptu happy dance in my kitchen!
Why the sudden joy? Because, once again, “taco” was in the title, appealing to my flavor preferences. More importantly, I realized I had every single ingredient needed already tucked away in my freezer, fridge, and pantry. This recipe is a testament to smart, accessible cooking – proving that delicious, exciting meals don’t require obscure or hard-to-find components. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something fresh and flavorful without having to make an extra trip to the store.
Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
One of the most appealing aspects of these Taco Pork Chops is the straightforward list of ingredients. You won’t find any mysterious packet mixes or exotic items that require a special trip to a gourmet store. This recipe champions the power of common pantry staples and fresh, simple components to create a truly remarkable dish.
To bring this flavorful meal to life, you’ll need just a few key items. Start with a can of good quality tomato sauce, which forms the rich, tangy base of our sauce. Water helps to achieve the perfect simmering consistency. A small onion, thinly sliced, adds a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth as it cooks down into the sauce. The magic truly happens with a blend of classic spices: chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, along with essential salt and freshly cracked pepper. This combination creates that unmistakable “taco” and “enchilada-like” flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting.
Of course, the star of the show is the pork itself: you’ll need 8 boneless pork chops. While the original recipe suggests thinner chops, my adaptation works beautifully with thicker cuts too, simply requiring a bit more simmering time for ultimate tenderness. A splash of olive oil is used for browning the pork, which helps to lock in juices and build a rich foundation of flavor. Finally, for an optional burst of freshness and color, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro over the top before serving is highly recommended, though entirely your choice. These minimal, wholesome ingredients truly prove that simplicity can lead to extraordinary taste.
Effortless Cooking: Step-by-Step Deliciousness
Preparing these One-Pan Taco Pork Chops is incredibly straightforward, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight. The process begins with building a solid flavor base right in your skillet. Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat, and once shimmering, carefully place your boneless pork chops in a single layer. Brown them well on both sides for about 5 minutes per side. This crucial step not only adds a beautiful golden crust but also develops a deeper, richer flavor that will permeate the entire dish.
While your pork chops are achieving that perfect golden hue, you can multitask by preparing the aromatic sauce. In a separate bowl or directly in a measuring cup, whisk together the can of tomato sauce with the specified amount of water. This creates the liquid base that will eventually tenderize the pork and carry all those fantastic taco flavors.
Next, introduce the spices – chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper – into the tomato and water mixture. Whisk thoroughly until everything is well combined and fragrant. Finally, stir in your thinly sliced onion. The onion will soften and meld beautifully into the sauce, adding a sweet, savory depth that perfectly complements the spices and pork. The aroma alone at this stage is enough to get your taste buds tingling!
Once your pork chops are nicely browned, it’s time to bring everything together. Pour the vibrant onion and spiced tomato sauce mixture directly over the browned pork chops in the skillet. Ensure the chops are well-covered by the sauce. Then, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the magic happen. The covered simmer is key here, allowing the flavors to meld and the pork chops to slowly become incredibly tender. In what feels like no time at all, you’ll be ready to slice into a perfectly spiced, fork-tender pork chop, enveloped in a rich, zesty sauce.
Loved this Recipe? Don’t Forget to Pin It!
Make sure you save this incredible recipe for future reference! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it whenever you’re craving a flavorful, easy-to-make meal.
My Adaptations for These Taco Pork Chops
While this recipe is inspired by Shelby’s fantastic cookbook, I did make a couple of minor adjustments based on the ingredients I had and my family’s preferences. My goal was to achieve supremely tender pork chops and a perfectly textured sauce.
Firstly, the boneless pork chops I had on hand were thicker than what Shelby’s original recipe called for. Additionally, I had 8 chops instead of the suggested fewer, thinner ones. To accommodate these larger, more numerous cuts, I extended the simmering time significantly. I absolutely adore pork chops that are so tender you can effortlessly cut them with a fork, so a longer simmer, around 40 minutes covered in the sauce, was essential. This extended cooking time ensured that every chop was incredibly juicy and falling-apart tender, and the onions softened beautifully into the sauce, creating an almost jam-like consistency.
Secondly, with more pork chops and a longer cooking time, I found the sauce needed a little extra volume and body. I added more water during the simmering process, which, while increasing the quantity, also made the sauce thinner. To achieve my desired consistency, I thickened the sauce with a small amount of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water. It’s important to note that using cornstarch is NOT Paleo-compliant. If you wish to follow my adaptations but maintain the Paleo integrity of the dish, I highly recommend substituting arrowroot powder in place of the cornstarch; it provides a similar thickening effect while adhering to Paleo principles.
Since my family isn’t strictly following a Paleo diet, I served our incredibly flavorful Taco Pork Chops with a side of sweet corn and my signature Cilantro Lime Rice. The combination was nothing short of amazing – a truly satisfying and memorable meal that we all absolutely loved!
How My Adapted Recipe Differs from the Original
It’s worth highlighting the differences between my adapted recipe and Shelby’s original version from “The One-Pot Paleo Cookbook.” Shelby’s recipe is designed for thinner pork chops and typically fewer servings. This allows her original dish to brown and cook much faster, often being ready from start to finish in an impressive 20 minutes, perfect for ultra-quick weeknight meals.
Furthermore, Shelby, adhering to the Paleo guidelines, suggests serving her Taco Pork Chops with Paleo-friendly accompaniments, such as a homemade guacamole made with mashed avocado and a Paleo-approved salsa. This ensures that the entire meal remains within the dietary framework. Therefore, if you are diligently following a Paleo diet, I strongly encourage you to refer to Shelby’s original recipe in her “One-Pot Paleo Cookbook” to ensure strict adherence to all dietary requirements and serving suggestions.
Get Your Hands on The One-Pot Paleo Cookbook!
If you’re eager to discover more delicious and easy one-pot meals, especially those catering to a Paleo lifestyle, you absolutely need to check out Shelby’s “The One-Pot Paleo Cookbook.” The cookbook officially launched on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, and you can easily purchase your own copy on Amazon. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking to simplify their cooking without sacrificing flavor or health.
But wait, there’s more exciting news! I’m thrilled to be giving away a copy of this fantastic cookbook right here! To enter for your chance to win, keep an eye out for the Taco Pork Chops posts on my Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also enter directly using the Rafflecopter widget provided below. Don’t miss this opportunity to add a treasure trove of simple, healthy, and delicious one-pot recipes to your kitchen collection!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Here is the slightly adapted recipe for these incredible Taco Pork Chops. I sincerely hope you and your family will enjoy them as much as mine did. They truly bring a vibrant burst of flavor to any meal! 
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Taco Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 8 boneless pork chops
- 1 8 ounce can Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups of water divided
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch optional
- fresh cilantro sprinkled over the top before serving, if desired
Instructions
-
In a large skillet, over medium-high, heat olive oil, and place pork chops in a single layer. Brown well on each side. (about 5 minutes for each side)
-
Whisk together 1 3/4 cup of water, tomato sauce, and dried spices. Add in the sliced onion.
-
Pour tomato/onion sauce over browned pork chops. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to simmer.
-
Simmer covered for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork chops are tender.
-
If the sauce isn’t desired thickness, mix 1/4 cup of water with 2 Tablespoons of corn starch and add to the sauce to thicken, if necessary.
-
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving, if desired.