Easy & Delicious Seared Pork Chops with Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe

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Looking for a satisfying and simple dinner? This recipe for seared, seasoned pork chops and baked beans cooked in the Instant Pot is a perfect solution. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s ready in under an hour. The pork chops are seared to golden-brown, crispy perfection on the stovetop, while the baked beans simmer to sweet and savory goodness in the Instant Pot. This combination provides a well-rounded and flavorful dining experience that the whole family will enjoy.

This recipe is not only delicious but also highly customizable. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference, use different types of beans, or add your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve this meal with some fresh fruit, steamed vegetables, or a simple side salad for a complete and nutritious dinner. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Pork Chops and Baked Beans

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a handy shopping list to make your grocery run easier. Having everything prepared in advance will help you streamline the cooking process and ensure that the meal comes together quickly and efficiently.

• Medium-thick boneless pork chops: These are ideal for quick searing and even cooking.
• Italian seasoning: Adds a flavorful blend of herbs to the pork chops.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the pork and beans.
• Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth to the dish.
• Olive oil: Used for searing the pork chops to achieve a golden-brown crust.
• Yellow onion: Provides a savory base for the baked beans.
• Pinto beans: A classic choice for baked beans, offering a creamy texture.
• Kidney beans: Adds heartiness and a slightly firmer texture to the bean mixture.
• White beans: Contributes to the overall texture and flavor profile of the beans.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens the baked beans and adds a molasses-like flavor.
• BBQ sauce: Enhances the smoky and tangy taste of the baked beans. Use your favorite brand.
• Water: Used as the cooking liquid for the beans in the Instant Pot.
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess to the baked beans.
• Yellow mustard: Provides a zesty and slightly acidic flavor to balance the sweetness.
• Chili powder: Adds a touch of warmth and spice to the baked beans.
• Cayenne powder: For a subtle kick of heat in the baked beans, use sparingly.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor of the baked beans.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the baked beans.

How to Make Pork Chops and Baked Beans

This recipe is incredibly straightforward and can be completed in about half an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of seared pork chops and Instant Pot baked beans creates a balanced and satisfying meal without requiring hours in the kitchen.

First, prepare the pork chops by seasoning them with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure to evenly coat both sides of the chops to ensure a flavorful crust. Then, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with some olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet.

Cook the pork chops on each side for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Achieving this crust is essential for locking in the juices and ensuring that the pork chops remain moist and tender. It also adds a layer of flavor that complements the savory spices.

Continue cooking the pork chops until the internal temperature reaches 140℉. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Once they reach this temperature, remove the pork chops from the skillet and place them on a plate to rest. Allowing the pork chops to rest for about 5 minutes before serving or cutting helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop. While the pork chops are resting, you can prepare the baked beans for plating.

For the baked beans, simply add all the ingredients – diced yellow onion, pinto beans, kidney beans, white beans, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, water, ketchup, yellow mustard, chili powder, cayenne powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper – into the Instant Pot. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, this is a game-changer for quick and easy meals!

Once all ingredients are in the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to undergo a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. This method of pressure release helps the beans retain their texture and flavor, preventing them from becoming mushy.

Finally, plate up the beans and the pork chops and enjoy! To complement this hearty meal, consider serving it with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced apples or berries, or a side salad. These additions provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork chops and baked beans, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience.

This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques can result in a delicious and fulfilling meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Natural Release vs Quick Release in the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is an invaluable kitchen appliance, primarily because of its ability to significantly reduce cooking times. Its efficiency stems from the fact that it cooks food under high pressure, allowing for faster cooking at lower temperatures. Once your food is cooked, you have two options for releasing the pressure before you open the lid: natural release and quick release. Understanding the difference between these two methods is crucial for achieving the best results with your Instant Pot recipes.

A natural release means allowing the Instant Pot to sit undisturbed for a few minutes after the cooking cycle is complete, gradually releasing the pressure inside. To perform a natural release, simply let the Instant Pot remain plugged in and allow the pressure to dissipate slowly. The time it takes for a natural release can vary, but for this particular recipe, a five-minute natural release is recommended before opening the lid. This method is particularly beneficial for dishes like beans and grains, as it helps prevent them from becoming overly starchy or exploding due to the sudden pressure change.

On the other hand, a quick release involves manually releasing the pressure by using the valve at the top of the Instant Pot. If you’re short on time and don’t want to wait for a natural release, you can carefully flick the switch to release the steam. However, it’s essential to exercise caution when performing a quick release, as the steam can be extremely hot and may cause burns. It’s also important to note that quick release can sometimes negatively impact the texture of certain foods, making them tough or dry. Therefore, if a recipe specifically calls for a natural release, it’s best to follow the instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.

In summary, the choice between natural release and quick release depends on the specific recipe and the desired outcome. Natural release is generally preferred for delicate dishes or when maintaining texture is crucial, while quick release is suitable for recipes where time is of the essence and texture is less critical. Knowing when to use each method will greatly enhance your Instant Pot cooking experience and help you achieve consistently delicious results.

More Pork Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this seared pork chops recipe and are looking for more delicious ways to prepare pork, here are a few other recipes you might like:

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin: A simple and tender dish that’s perfect for a hands-off cooking experience. The slow cooker ensures the pork is moist and full of flavor.

Sheet Pan Pork Chops: A quick and easy weeknight meal with minimal cleanup. Simply arrange the pork chops and vegetables on a sheet pan and bake.

Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin: A flavorful and sweet dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner. The honey garlic glaze adds a delicious touch to the tender pork.

These pork recipes offer a variety of cooking methods and flavor profiles, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a slow cooker, the speed of a sheet pan, or the bold flavors of a honey garlic glaze, these recipes are sure to impress.