Gluten Free

Simple Weeknight Paprika Pork Stew Recipe

~ Carrie Tyler ~ Leave a comment
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Paprika Pork Stew Recipe in a bowl with carrots, onion, parsley. It's an easy family dinner. 

Are your weeknight dinners frazzled?  I hear you!  I used to be there too.  And if I don’t turn to my easy dinner arsenal, I can be right back there again!  BUT, this Simple Weeknight Paprika Pork Stew Recipe is yet another dinner to help make your life easier!  

This Paprika Pork Stew Recipe is loaded with flavor and texture.  With each spoonful you get a smokey and salty bite flavor from the pork, paprika, oregano, garlic and onion.  Carrots balance out this dish with a slightly sweet and tender bite.  Finally, the pork is so moist and fork tender.  But the best part is that this entire dinner can be made in the slow cooker during the day.  Or you can make it ahead in the oven and then reheat on a busy weeknight!

Want more tips for making busy family dinners easier?  Click here for my Free Printable 5 Simple Steps to Easy Family Dinners!

THE MAGICAL SLOW COOKER

One of the easiest ways to make family dinners on busy weeknights is using a slow cooker!   You can put all of the ingredients into the pot and then set and forget.  The slow cooker does all of the work and you get a home filled with wonderful aromas and a hot meal just waiting to be enjoyed!  I have had the same slow cooker for years and there is absolutely nothing fancy about it.  But it’s never let me down and I never feel the need to get any other machines.  Check out my Shop page to see the slow cooker I would get today if I were going to replace mine!  It has a browning pot so you don’t have to dirty a second pan!

Here are a few of my family’s favorite slow cooker dinners:

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

EQUIPMENT FOR THIS PORK STEW RECIPE

I made this recipe in a slow cooker.

However, you could also make it in the oven in a dutch oven or small roasting pan with a lid. To make this stew in the oven, follow the instructions for adding all of the ingredients. Then bake covered in the oven at 400 F degrees for 1-1.5 hours until the pork is fork tender.

And mincing garlic is made super easy with a Garlic Press.

PREP-AHEAD STEPS FOR YOUR PORK STEW RECIPE

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are the steps you prepare in the day(s) ahead!

What can I say, this one is super easy!  The only thing you need to do for this recipe is prep the veggies and then mix everything in the slow cooker insert.

Up to 5 days ahead, you can peel and dice the carrots and onion. Also peel and mince the garlic.  These can be stored together in the fridge until you are ready to cook.

What else can I add to the stew?

For veggies, there are lots of options!  Veggies that can be added in from the start of the cooking are: creamer (baby gold) potatoes halved, sweet potato cubes, butternut squash cubes, celery slices, diced parsnips, or bell peppers.  Veggies that you will want to add in just the last hour are: kale, zucchini slices, or other soft vegetables that can get mushy.  Spinach can be added after the cooking is done and will wilt down in the hot stew in just minutes.

You can also add in egg noodles in the last hour and they should cook through for you!  Or you can add cooked rice or cooked quinoa.  

COOK YOUR PORK STEW RECIPE

Well, it doesn’t get much easy than this!  Just add the onion, carrots, and pork to the slow cooker insert. Then add the paprika, minced garlic, dried oregano, crushed bouillon cubes, water, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.

Adding paprika to raw pork and veggies in slow cooker insert for Paprika Pork Stew Recipe with carrots, onion, parsley.

All ingredients in slow cooker insert for Paprika Pork Stew Recipe with carrots, onion, parsley.

Turn the slow cooker to 6, 8, or 10 hours depending on your schedule.

Serve in a bowl by itself or over noodles and enjoy!

Can I freeze the stew?

Yes!  Absolutely!  This is a wonderful meal to make a ton of and then portion out for freezing. You can either freeze all of the ingredients raw and then add them to the slow cooker frozen.  In this case, you will wait to add the water until you are ready to cook.  Freeze the rest of the ingredients, then add them to the slow cooker frozen with the water, and set to 8 hours.

If you want to cook and then freeze, I like to first cool it in the fridge.  Then transfer it into freezer storage bags that can freeze flat and then be neatly stacked.  However, you can also freeze it in reusable plastic storage containers or glass freezer-safe containers.

ENJOY!  😍 Carrie

Paprika Pork Stew Recipe in a bowl with carrots, onion, parsley. It's an easy family dinner. 
Paprika Pork Stew Recipe in a bowl with carrots, onion, parsley. It's an easy family dinner. 
Print

Simple Weeknight Paprika Pork Stew Recipe

This Paprika Pork Stew Recipe is loaded with flavor and texture.  With each spoonful you get a smokey and salty bite flavor from the pork, paprika, oregano, garlic and onion.  Carrots balance out this dish with a slightly sweet and tender bite.  Finally, the pork is so moist and fork tender.  But the best part is that this entire dinner can be made in the slow cooker during the day.  Or you can make it ahead in the oven and then reheat on a busy weeknight! #porkstew #porkrecipes #easydinners

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword beef stew, crock pot, pork, Pork stew, slow cooker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 283 kcal
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Pork stew meat, cubed
  • 1 Onion, yellow or 3 small shallots
  • 2 Medium Carrots
  • 1 tbsp Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 4 Chicken or Beef Bouillon Cubes, crushed
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 3 cups Water

Instructions

Prep Ahead Steps

  1. Peel and dice the carrots. Peel and dice the onion. Peel and mince the garlic.

Cook your Paprika Pork Stew Recipe

  1. Add the onion, carrots, and pork to the slow cooker insert. Then add the paprika, minced garlic, dried oregano, crushed bouillon cubes, water, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.

    All ingredients in slow cooker insert for Paprika Pork Stew Recipe with carrots, onion, parsley.

  2. Turn the slow cooker to 6, 8, or 10 hours depending on your schedule.

  3. Serve in a bowl by itself or over noodles and enjoy!

    Paprika Pork Stew Recipe in a bowl with carrots, onion, parsley. It's an easy family dinner. 

One Pan Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake with Rice

~ Carrie Tyler ~ Leave a comment
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One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake in casserole dish.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

Cozy.  Easy.  Warm.  Delicious.  These are the words that describe my perfect Fall recipes and I’ve just added one more to the list!  This One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake with Rice has layers of deliciousness.  On the bottom, the flavorful rice cooks right in the oven.  That’s right, no cooking it separately on the stove!  On top of the perfectly cooked rice, you have the chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!  This cozy, warm, comforting, and delicious family dinner is yours for any busy night!

Want more tips for making busy family dinners easier?  Click here for my Free Printable 5 Simple Steps to Easy Family Dinners!

All the Flavor Without the Hassle

Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu is a labor-intensive process.  It requires pounding out the chicken, rolling in the ham and cheese, then breading the outside and frying it.  But you can get all of that amazing flavor in this MUCH easier version!  

Here are a few other classics made easier!

Piece of One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake on a plate with fork holding a bite.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  But, I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

For this recipe, you need a large casserole dish that’s approximately 10×10, 12×12, 10×13 or similar.

PREP-AHEAD STEPS FOR CHICKEN CORDON BLEU BAKE

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are steps you prepare in the day(s) in advance and store in the fridge… (See the full recipe below)

 This recipe has only a few easy steps:

  1. Mix & Bake the rice
  2. Prep the chicken while rice bakes
  3. Add the chicken, ham, and cheese.  Bake again.
  4. Add breadcrumb topping and Bake final 5 minutes!

The rice cooks for 20 minutes before adding the chicken.  The reason for this is so the rice absorbs the water and fluffs up first.  If you add the chicken from the start it will boil in the liquid and overcook.

While the rice cooks, slice chicken breasts from the side to create 2 thin breasts.

Knife slicing raw chicken for One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

Sliced raw chicken for One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

Season with the salt, pepper, and oregano. Lay the chicken flat on a plate or cutting board. Layer 1 slice of ham folded on top of the chicken. Layer the swiss cheese slice folded on top of the ham.

Sliced raw chicken with deli ham and slice of cheese on top for One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

Can I use a different cheese?

You can use any cheese you like of course.  However, you will want a full-flavored cheese that can bring something to this dish.  Gruyere is great, manchego, or even a sharp cheddar can work great!  You can also use sliced or shredded.

COOK YOUR CHICKEN CORDON BLEU BAKE

After your rice has precooked, it’s time to add the prepped chicken!  Bake for another 20 minutes.  While the chicken bakes, make the breadcrumb topping.  After 20 minutes, add it to the top of the cheese and bake for another 5 minutes turning the broiler on low to get a golden brown crispy topping!

Sliced raw chicken with deli ham and slice of cheese on top for One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake in casserole dish.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

Can I freeze this bake?

Once the casserole is cooked, you can freeze it after first cooling it and then tightly covering it. It can stay in the freezer for up to 4 months. To cook it again, cover with aluminum foil and bake 350 F for 1 hour if thawed, 1 1/2 hours if frozen.

ENJOY!  😍 Carrie

One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake in casserole dish.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!
Piece of One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake on a plate with fork.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!
One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake in casserole dish.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!
Print

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake with Rice

This One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake with Rice has layers of deliciousness.  On the bottom, the flavorful rice cooks right in the oven.  That's right, no cooking it separately on the stove!  On top of the perfectly cooked rice, you have the chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!  This cozy, warm, comforting, and delicious family dinner is yours for any busy night! #chickencordonbleu #chickenbake #chickendinnerideas

Course Main Course
Cuisine American, French
Keyword casserole, chicken, chicken dinner, one pan meal, one pot
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 411 kcal
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

Rice

  • 1 1/2 cups White Long Grain rice
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth (or 3 cups Water + 3 tsp Chicken Base)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, skinless, boneless (raised w/o antibiotics)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 4 slices Smoked deli ham
  • 4 slices Swiss Cheese (or gruyere)

Breadcrumb Topping

  • 1/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F degrees

  2. Add all rice ingredients to casserole dish. Stir to combine, then tightly cover with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in oven for 20 minutes.

  3. While the rice cooks, slice chicken breasts from the side to create 2 thin breasts. Season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Lay the chicken flat on a plate or cutting board. Layer 1 slice of ham folded on top of the chicken. Layer the swiss cheese slice folded on top of the ham.

    Sliced raw chicken with deli ham and slice of cheese on top for One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

  4. Make the breadcrumb topping by mixing the ingredients together in a small bowl

  5. After 20 minutes, take the rice out and add the chicken slices layered to the top in a line. Cover and bake for another 20 minutes.

    Sliced raw chicken with deli ham and slice of cheese on top for One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

  6. Remove the cover and sprinkle the breadcrumb topping on top. Put it back in the oven with the broiler setting on low for 5 minutes to brown the topping. Watch to make sure it doesn't burn.

    One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake in casserole dish.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

  7. To serve, use a spatula to scoop out the rice, chicken and topping. Enjoy!

    Piece of One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake on a plate with fork.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!