These one-pan Spanish Pork Chops are bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavor and come together in just 30 minutes. Cooked in a smoky, Bravas-style tomato sauce with chorizo, white beans, and bell peppers, this dish is a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and spice. It’s a hearty, wholesome meal that works great for weeknights and also keeps well for leftovers.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 boneless pork chops

• 2 ounces chorizo sausage, diced

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (14 ounces) white beans, strained and rinsed

• Salt, as needed

• Black pepper, as needed

Directions

1. Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and sear pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

3. Add diced chorizo to the same pan and cook for 1–2 minutes until the oils are released.

4. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender. Add bell pepper and cook another 1–2 minutes.

5. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

6. Add crushed tomatoes and white beans. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Return pork chops to the pan, nestle into the sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked.

8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with rice, potatoes, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrients

(Per serving – estimated)

• Calories: 485

• Fat: 19g

• Carbohydrates: 39g

• Sugar: 8g

• Fiber: 11g

• Protein: 41g

Why One-Pan Dinners Are a Weeknight Savior

In today’s busy world, convenience is key—and that’s where one-pan meals like this shine. With minimal cleanup, straightforward steps, and fast cooking time, these Spanish Pork Chops are an ideal solution for hectic weeknights. Everything comes together in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes, less stress, and more time to enjoy your food.

But beyond the practical perks, there’s also something deeply satisfying about building flavors layer by layer in the same pan. The pork chops soak up the smoky essence of paprika and the zesty juices from tomatoes and chorizo, while the white beans and peppers mellow into a hearty, filling base. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like you put in hours of work—without actually doing it.

Layers of Flavor in Every Bite

This dish is a flavor bomb, thanks to its well-curated cast of ingredients. The pork chops are seared to perfection, locking in their juices and developing a golden crust. Chorizo adds a rich, spicy, and slightly fatty component that elevates the sauce’s depth. The smoked paprika infuses the entire dish with a subtle heat and a rich aroma that lingers enticingly in the air.

White beans serve as both a fiber-rich filler and a creamy contrast to the meaty textures. Bell peppers and onions add sweetness and body, making each spoonful feel like a balanced medley. The crushed tomatoes tie it all together, creating a velvety sauce that clings to every ingredient. It’s not just a main dish—it’s a flavor journey.

The Nutritional Perks

This dish is not just flavorful; it’s also nutritionally impressive. Each serving offers a strong balance of macronutrients. With 41 grams of protein per serving, the pork chops and chorizo provide a powerful dose of muscle-building fuel. The inclusion of white beans brings fiber into the equation, promoting satiety and aiding digestion.

The use of olive oil and vegetables like bell pepper and onion brings in essential vitamins and healthy fats. Smoked paprika, while primarily used for flavor, also contains antioxidants that support overall health. Altogether, this dish aligns well with the Mediterranean diet—a pattern of eating that has long been praised for its heart-healthy benefits.

Easy to Modify for Dietary Needs

One of the strengths of this recipe is its adaptability. If you’re looking to cut down on fat, you can opt for lean pork loin chops and a turkey-based chorizo. Want to reduce sodium? Use low-sodium beans and tomatoes and season with herbs instead of salt.

Vegetarians can also take inspiration from this dish by swapping the pork and chorizo for hearty plant-based alternatives like seared tofu or tempeh and a smoky vegan sausage. While the flavor will shift slightly, the Mediterranean flair will still shine through thanks to the paprika, beans, and tomatoes.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This one-pan meal isn’t just great fresh out of the skillet—it also stores and reheats beautifully. The pork chops stay moist, and the sauce becomes even more flavorful as it sits. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to bring the sauce back to life.

For those who meal prep for the week, this recipe is a dream. It pairs effortlessly with rice, couscous, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread, making it easy to create different variations with the same base throughout the week. You can even freeze the sauce separately and add freshly seared pork chops when you’re ready to eat.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

This dish is rich and satisfying enough to stand alone, but there are endless ways to round out the meal. Serve it over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the savory sauce. For a Mediterranean twist, pair it with couscous or quinoa and a side of garlicky sautéed greens.

Add a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the warm, spiced flavors of the pork. Crusty bread, either fresh or lightly toasted, is also an excellent choice for scooping up the sauce and beans. And don’t forget the wine—a bold Spanish red like Tempranillo or Garnacha complements the smoky spices and richness of the dish beautifully.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Pork Chop

Pork chops can be a little tricky to cook just right, especially when you’re working with boneless cuts. The key is to sear them quickly on each side until golden, then finish cooking them gently in the sauce. This helps them stay juicy while absorbing the sauce’s deep flavors.

Avoid overcooking, which can dry them out—an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is perfect for tender, flavorful pork. Letting the chops rest for a minute or two before serving allows the juices to redistribute and keeps them moist.

Another tip: don’t overcrowd the pan. Searing in batches ensures that each pork chop gets the proper caramelization before they’re returned to the sauce for finishing.

How This Dish Fits the Modern Table

This Spanish Pork Chops recipe isn’t just a throwback to traditional Mediterranean flavors—it also caters to modern culinary preferences. It’s fast, fuss-free, and budget-friendly. It’s perfect for home cooks who want to feel like they’ve crafted something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this dish hits the sweet spot between easy and impressive. It has the bold personality of a restaurant-quality meal with the comfort of home cooking.

Conclusion

One-Pan Spanish Pork Chops are a shining example of how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create a meal that’s anything but ordinary. With its smoky, saucy flavor, balanced nutrition, and weeknight convenience, this dish deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation.

It captures the heart of Mediterranean comfort food while meeting the needs of today’s busy kitchens. Whether you’re seeking a wholesome family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something hearty and flavorful, this recipe checks all the boxes. Dive into a plate of these savory pork chops, and let each bite transport you to the sun-drenched coasts of Spain—no plane ticket required.