Easy Ranch Pork Chops

Dinner in under half an hour is always a big selling point for busy families, particularly when trying to provide home-cooked meals. And trying to find something that is tasty, low cost, and quick to make is especially difficult.

However, these chops fit the bill! Prep time is only about five minutes, and the chops only cook for twenty. Preheating the oven may take as a long as the actual cooking does!

Even better this dish is easy enough for kids to prepare and hard for even someone who doesn't cook to mess up. It is also low budget, using only spices you likely have at home, a $1-2 packet of spice powder, and an inexpensive meat choice. You really can't go wrong with this dish.

I originally got this recipe from the Hidden Valley Ranch website and tweaked it to make it my own as I usually do with recipes. If you would like to see the original recipe or other good recipe ideas you can check out the hidden valley ranch recipe page here:

• 2 pork chops, bone in or boneless (1 to 1 1/2 inches thick)
• 1 package Hidden Valley Ranch powder, or similar
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Paprika, to taste

Spices

I usually add about a teaspoon of paprika and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. The amounts are really up to your personal tastes and how spicy you like your chops. Cayenne pepper can easily be swapped out for the paprika, as well.

If you're feeling creative, try experimenting with other spices to add different flavors. Rosemary, thyme, curry, or basil are all tasty options, or combine others to create your own unique chop flavor.

1. Preheat oven to 450F. Line a cookie sheet with foil.

2. Mix Ranch powder and spices in a medium bowl.

3. Coat both sides of chops in mixture and lay each chop on the cookie sheet.

4. Cook chops for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through.