Craving a hearty, satisfying meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours? Look no further! These Instant Pot Pork Chops with Sautéed Peppers are your new weeknight hero. We’re talking incredibly tender, bite-sized pieces of pork, pressure-cooked to perfection and then tossed with sweet bell peppers, a hint of chili heat, and crispy, savory bacon. It’s a complete, flavor-packed dish that comes together in a flash, proving that fast food can be fantastic food.
Ingredients
• 1 lb / 450g pork chops, boneless, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 2 chili peppers, such as jalapeño or fresno, finely chopped
• 2 small yellow onions, finely chopped
• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp / 30g unsalted butter
• 1 cup / 240ml beef broth
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
• ¼ tsp salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Season the pork pieces with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Place the seasoned pork into the Instant Pot and pour in the beef broth.
3. Secure the lid, set the steam release handle to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ button and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
4. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick pressure release by carefully moving the handle to the ‘Venting’ position. Once the pin drops, open the lid.
5. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked pork from the pot and set aside. Reserve the broth left in the pot separately.
6. Select the ‘Sauté’ button. Once the pot is hot, add the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
7. Add the sliced bell peppers and chopped chili peppers to the pot. Sprinkle with salt and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Add the chopped bacon and cook for 5 minutes, stirring until it begins to crisp. If the pot becomes too dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved beef broth to deglaze.
9. Return the cooked pork to the pot, stir everything together, and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
10. Press the ‘Cancel’ button to turn off the heat. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Per Serving
• Calories: 407
• Total Fats: 30.8g
• Net Carbs: 5.4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1.3g
Pro Tips
• For a deeper flavor, use the ‘Sauté’ function to brown the pork pieces in a little oil before pressure cooking.
• Deglaze the pot with a splash of the beef broth after sautéing the bacon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar at the end will brighten up all the flavors.
• For a richer sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the pot during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
FAQ
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker
A: For a richer, thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the pot during the final 5 minutes of cooking to allow it to thicken.
Q: Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe
A: This recipe is specifically written for bite-sized boneless pork chops to ensure quick and even cooking. Using bone-in chops would require adjusting the pressure cooking time.
Q: How do I get more flavor from the pork
A: For a deeper, more savory flavor, use the ‘Sauté’ function to brown the pork pieces in a little oil before you add the broth and begin pressure cooking. This step is mentioned in the Pro Tips.
Q: Is this Instant Pot pork chop recipe keto-friendly
A: Yes, with only 5.4g of net carbs per serving according to the provided nutritional information, this recipe is a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
