Get ready to experience pork chops in a whole new way! These Spicy Tomato Pork Chops are a throwback to a classic, comforting skillet dinner your grandma might have made, but with a deliciously modern kick. We’re searing juicy pork chops until golden, then simmering them in a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy tomato sauce that infuses every bite with flavor. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting, proving you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly special for dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Skillet Simplicity: Everything comes together in one pan for deep flavor and easy cleanup.
- The Perfect Sauce: A from scratch tomato sauce with chili powder and red pepper flakes creates a robust, tangy, and spicy coating.
- Budget-Friendly Brilliance: Made with simple, pantry staple ingredients, this is a cost effective way to get a gourmet tasting meal on the table.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The flavors get even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients for Spicy Tomato Pork Chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless pork loin chops (about 5 oz each)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions for Making Spicy Tomato Pork Chops
1Sear the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until a beautiful golden brown crust forms. Remove the chops to a plate and set aside.
2Build the Flavorful Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.
To the onions, add the tomato sauce, water, chili powder, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where the foundation of your sauce is built!
3Simmer to Tender Perfection: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The pork is done when it is tender and cooked through.
4The Final Touch: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the pork chops to relax and reabsorb their juices, ensuring they are incredibly tender.
Serve the pork chops hot, smothered in the rich and spicy tomato sauce.
Spicy Tomato Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless pork loin chops 5 oz each
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown chops for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook onion until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, water, chili powder, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Return pork chops to the skillet. Bring sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until pork is tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Control the Heat: The ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes gives a moderate kick. For a milder dish, reduce to ¼ teaspoon. For more heat, add more!
- The Sugar: A little sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. Don't skip it!
- Serving Suggestion: This is fantastic served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
