This Easy Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner is a breeze to whip up! Juicy pork chops and tender baby potatoes get a flavor boost from ranch seasoning, making every bite tasty.
I love how everything cooks together on one pan, saving me time on dishes. Plus, my family always cheers when I make this because who doesn’t love a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend using boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick. If you prefer, bone-in chops can work too, but adjust the cooking time. For a leaner option, consider using chicken breasts instead!
Baby Potatoes: Yellow and red baby potatoes are perfect due to their creamy texture, but you can easily swap them for Yukon gold or even sweet potatoes for a twist. Just cut them smaller to ensure even cooking.
Ranch Seasoning: Store-bought ranch seasoning is convenient, but if you want to make it from scratch, combine dried herbs like dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder. It can really customize the flavor!
Olive Oil: While olive oil adds great flavor, feel free to use vegetable oil or avocado oil as alternatives. They both have high smoke points, great for roasting.
How Can I Get Juicy Pork Chops Without Overcooking?
Juicy pork chops are all about timing and temperature. First, preheat your oven properly to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. Keep an eye on the internal temperature; aim for 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked pork.
- Consider brining the pork chops in seasoned water for a few hours before cooking. This helps retain moisture.
- Rest the pork chops for about 5 minutes after baking; this lets the juices redistribute.
- Using a meat thermometer is a game-changer; it takes the guesswork out!
Easy Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops and Potatoes:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes (yellow or red), halved if large
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sheet pan dinner takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook, totaling around 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 tablespoon of ranch seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are well covered with the seasoning mixture!
3. Arrange the Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned potatoes out on one side of the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This allows for even cooking and helps them get crispy.
4. Season the Pork Chops:
In the same bowl (no need to wash it), add the pork chops. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over them and sprinkle with the remaining ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss or rub the seasoning evenly onto the pork chops.
5. Place Everything on the Baking Sheet:
Now, arrange the seasoned pork chops on the empty side of the baking sheet. Make sure there’s space between the chops and potatoes for air circulation.
6. Bake the Dinner:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), and the potatoes should be tender and golden brown. Remember to flip the pork chops and toss the potatoes halfway through cooking for even browning!
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
If you want your pork chops extra crispy, you can broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
8. Rest and Garnish:
Remove the pan from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. You can garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pork chops and potatoes hot, and enjoy your delicious, simple sheet pan dinner!
This recipe combines the savory ranch flavor with juicy pork chops and crispy roasted potatoes, all done in one easy-to-clean pan!
FAQ for Easy Ranch Pork Chops and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or green beans. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may have different cooking times, so adjust accordingly. Cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops or Potatoes?
It’s best to thaw frozen pork chops in the refrigerator overnight to ensure even cooking. For frozen baby potatoes, you can toss them directly onto the baking sheet, but they may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pork moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prep the potatoes and pork chops a day in advance by seasoning them and storing them in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.