Here’s an easy, family friendly dinner made in one pot: Applewood Smoked Bacon Pork and Rice Skillet
If there is one thing I need during the week, it’s EASY dinner ideas. I always ask my family, “Hey Guys! What do you think you’d like for dinner?” My question is often met with crickets. My guys do not like to give me ideas, and that drives me absolutely crazy!! Weeknights are perfect for quick and easy dinner recipes. I usually save the more elaborate meals for weekends. This pork and rice skillet dinner fits the description of quick and easy.
The pork used for the recipe is from Smithfield’s line of already-marinated pork. I used the Applewood Smoked Bacon Pork Loin Filet for my recipe- it’s 100% fresh pork slow marinated with Applewood Smoked Bacon. I love that it comes pre-marinated… it saves me time in the kitchen when I’m crazy busy assembling dinner! You’ll be able to locate Smithfield’s already-marinated pork tenderloin, loin filet and pork sirloin at your market.
The recipe begins by sauteing the bacon bits from the marinade. Then the pork is seared in the bacon drippings and set aside for a moment.
Rice, carrots, seasoning and chicken broth are added to the pan along with the bacon. The pork is added back in with some lemon slices, the lid is placed on top, and the dinner cooks for about 15 minutes. Pop some broccoli into the pan and cook for 5 more minutes, and dinner is done! See how easy this is?
The dish turns out looking quite beautiful. A little bit of lemon juice is sucked out of the lemon slices by the heat and added into the rice mixture. The broccoli florets are steamed lightly, and the pork stays tender being cooked in the rice mixture.
Serve a couple of slices of pork with a couple of scoops of rice and some broccoli. It’s an all-around easy dinner to make that includes your protein, veggie and carbs. My family gave it the thumbs up. Enjoy!
Applewood Smoked Bacon Pork and Rice Skillet
Ingredients
- 1½ teaspoons olive oil
- 1 whole Smithfield Applewood Smoked Bacon Pork Loin Filet
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 2¼ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium lemon, sliced
- 1½ cups small broccoli florets
- freshly chopped Italian parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Remove the pork from the packaging to a cutting board; reserve the bacon bits and juices.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the bacon bits from the package marinade to the pan. Cook the bacon bits until they are crispy and cooked through. Spoon the bacon bits into a small bowl and leave any leftover grease in the pan.
- Slice the pork loin into 1½ inch pieces. In the same pan you cooked the bacon, sear the slices of pork for about 1 minute on each side over medium high heat. Remove the pork to a plate.
- Keep the pan on medium high heat. Add rice, carrot and bacon bits to the pan. Stir a few times and then add in the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Place the seared pork slices into the pan. Top with lemon slices and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place a lid on the pan and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, then add in broccoli florets; cook 5 minutes more. If the liquid isn't fully absorbed, just remove the pan from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve pork slices with a scoop of rice and veggies.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Here are a few more pork and rice recipes you might enjoy:
- Sweet Chili Pork Cutlet Rice Bowls with Avocado Cream by Cooking and Beer
- Dad’s Pork Chops and Rice by High Heels and Grills
- 20 Minute Pork Chop Rice One Pot Recipe by Call Me PMC
Disclosure: This post has been written in partnership with Smithfield to share their line of marinated pork. This is a product that I know and use in my kitchen. All opinions shared are my own.
Marinated pork is the best way for us to cook it. I will have to look for this at the store!
Wait…pork marinated with bacon?? That sounds incredible! Love that this is such a quick meal for a weeknight!
This looks seriously delicious! I’m loving that bacon marinade!
I’m so in love with then entire Smithfield line – and I love how you used it!
Love that you used the bacon from the marinade in this! These Smithfield marinated pork filets are such a time saver on busy nights.
Can you use Canadian back bacon? or pork loin instead of applewood bacon as it is not available in Canada?
Regular pork loin would work… but I’d probably fry up some bacon to incorporate into the dish too.
You had me at easy dinner – and I know what you mean about the crickets. They live at my house too! Looks scrumptious!
You most definitely had me at bacon!! But with MORE pork and rice? This is SO my kind of fall-inspired easy weeknight dinner! Pinned!
This looks like complete deliciousness! A perfect harvest time dinner!
Thanks for the shout out, Lori! Reading your descriptions of this dish that you made has me wanting to go the store, here at 9:30, and make it right away. Sounds and looks so great, girl!