Make-Ahead Mediterranean Pork Chops

12.9K
1.3K
595
2025-10-27
Make-Ahead Mediterranean Pork Chops
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Marinate Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 40 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 chops + 9 cups orzo mixture

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 3 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano and/or rosemary

  • 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 8 bone-in pork loin chops, cut 1/2 inch thick (3 to 4 lb.) and trimmed

  • 1 16 ounce pkg. dried orzo pasta

  • 6 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

  • 2 cup chopped red bell peppers

  • 2 cup pitted green olives, halved

  • 2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 oz.)

  • Chopped fresh Italian parsley (optional)

Directions

  1. For marinade, in an extra-large bowl whisk together first eight ingredients (through black pepper). Add chops, spooning marinade over chops to coat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 1 hour.

  2. In a deep 12-inch nonstick skillet cook chops, half at a time, over medium-high heat 8 minutes or until a thermometer registers 145°F, turning once. Remove from skillet; cover and keep warm.

  3. Add orzo to same skillet. Cook and stir 1 minute, scraping up crusty browned bits. Slowly add broth, scraping up any remaining bits. Stir in bell peppers and olives. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 7 minutes. Simmer, uncovered, 2 minutes more or until orzo is nearly tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir in tomatoes.

  4. Transfer half of the orzo mixture to an airtight container. Top with four of the chops; cool slightly. Store in freezer up to 2 months.

  5. Serve remaining orzo mixture topped with chops and 1/2 cup feta cheese. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.

To Reheat

Thaw frozen container of chops and orzo mixture in refrigerator up to 48 hours. Transfer to a 12-inch nonstick skillet. Add 1/2 cup water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. Serve orzo mixture topped with chops and 1/2 cup feta cheese.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

548 Calories
22g Fat
52g Carbs
35g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 548
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 79mg 26%
Sodium 1197mg 52%
Total Carbohydrate 52g 19%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 35g 70%
Vitamin C 48mg 53%
Calcium 142mg 11%
Iron 3.9mg 22%
Potassium 904mg 19%
Folate, total 160.3mcg
Vitamin B-12 0.9mcg
Vitamin B-6 1mg

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Related Article

Stuffed Waffles
2.9K
285
68

Stuffed Waffles

Next time you're craving breakfast for dinner, push your waffles to the savory side by sandwiching cheese, bacon, tomatoes, and basil, between spoonfuls of batter.
8 Tips for How to Make Pancake Mix Better-Tasting Than Homemade
31K
1.6K
496

8 Tips for How to Make Pancake Mix Better-Tasting Than Homemade

Get that made-from-scratch taste with these easy hacks for how to make pancake mix better-tasting than homemade.
23 On-the-Go Breakfast Ideas for Fueling Up on Busy Mornings
27.2K
1.6K
293

23 On-the-Go Breakfast Ideas for Fueling Up on Busy Mornings

Try one of these quick recipes for on-the-go breakfast ideas for those rushed mornings when you don't have enough time to prep or eat a full meal.
Chickpea and Freekeh Salad
29.6K
2.4K
544

Chickpea and Freekeh Salad

This delicious freekeh salad is bulked up with fresh herbs, avocado, salami, and feta.
Our Best 20-Minute Dinners for Simple Yet Flavor-Packed Meals
6.8K
542
265

Our Best 20-Minute Dinners for Simple Yet Flavor-Packed Meals

Our 20-minute family meals will have them asking for seconds! From apple-pecan pork chops to chicken with parmesan noodles, our 20-minute dinners are sure to please.
19 Korean-Inspired Recipes You Can Make at Home
11.6K
815
81

19 Korean-Inspired Recipes You Can Make at Home

From bulgogi to bibimbap, gochujang to kimchi, Korean flavors are here. Our best Korean-inspired recipes will allow you to get acquainted, experienced, and fall deeper in love with Korean food.
This Easy Dump and Bake Manicotti Has a Genius Shortcut: String Cheese
16.7K
167
76

This Easy Dump and Bake Manicotti Has a Genius Shortcut: String Cheese

This twist on the classic Italian pasta dish makes it even easier to get on the table. Our dump and bake manicotti recipe relies on just a few shortcut ingredients to speed up the prep time.
The Best Vegan Egg Substitutes for Every Type of Recipe
23.7K
2.1K
553

The Best Vegan Egg Substitutes for Every Type of Recipe

Transform your favorite baked goods recipes into tasty meat- and dairy-free delights with these easy vegan egg substitutes.
Can You Eat Kiwi Skin?
29.1K
1.2K
535

Can You Eat Kiwi Skin?

Yes, and here’s why you should. We tapped Sarah Brekke, M.S., Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen culinary specialist, to tell us everything you need to know about eating kiwi skin.
Eggplant "Meat" Balls with Chimichurri
41K
2.9K
516

Eggplant "Meat" Balls with Chimichurri

Enjoy these plant-based meatballs for your next meatless dinner.
16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy
48.8K
488
224

16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy

These vegetarian high-protein recipes (each with 15 or more grams of protein) prove that meatless eating is tasty and nutritious.
Portobello Pot Roast
11.6K
694
187

Portobello Pot Roast

Meaty portobellos stand in for beef in this vegetarian portobello pot roast that's as rich as the classic but cooks in a fraction of the time.
Lemon-Garlic Braised Eggs
45.8K
4.1K
825

Lemon-Garlic Braised Eggs

Summer squash turned into noodles is the perfect base for this lightened-up brunch recipe.
9 Healthy Cherry Recipes to Add Sweet-Tart Flavor to Your Meals
10.7K
751
150

9 Healthy Cherry Recipes to Add Sweet-Tart Flavor to Your Meals

These cherry recipes make the most of this delicious, colorful fruit. Fresh or frozen, cherries add sweetly-tart flavor and are good for you.
Air-Fryer Chicken Katsu Sandwiches
21.5K
861
413

Air-Fryer Chicken Katsu Sandwiches

An air "fried" chicken sandwich can be just as juicy in the center and crispy on the outside as a traditionally fried chicken sandwich, as this recipe proves. But if you don't have an air fryer, we included an oven variation, too.
The Best Things to Make with Pesto
49.9K
997
428

The Best Things to Make with Pesto

Discover the best things to make with pesto, whether you’re cracking open a store-bought jar or have a bounty of homemade pesto to put to good use. Pesto pasta is a classic for a reason, however, we have ideas for many more things to make with pesto, including sandwiches, flatbreads, casseroles, and more.
Bresaola-Gorgonzola Panini
34.5K
1K
227

Bresaola-Gorgonzola Panini

The term panini translates literally to little sandwiches, though it has come to mean grilled flatbread stuffed with any sandwich fixings.
Caprese Salad Pita Pockets
17.6K
175
84

Caprese Salad Pita Pockets

For a fresh and flavorful lunch, try this yummy recipe! Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, cucumber, basil, and more make this dish delicious, and the pita pocket keeps it neat.
Provolone and Ham Melt
41K
3.7K
442

Provolone and Ham Melt

This ham and cheese sandwich has sweet fruit fillers, which makes it appealing to kids.
Avocado-Egg Breakfast Sandwich
6.5K
389
182

Avocado-Egg Breakfast Sandwich

Sandwiches aren't just for lunch anymore -- enjoy this delicious, easy avocado and egg sandwich for breakfast. Asparagus spears make this sandwich even more yummy.