Sizzling Family-Favorite Pork Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty home cooks adore this comforting pork casserole that promises pure culinary magic.

Layers of tender meat and rich seasonings create an irresistible dish.

Warm kitchen aromas will instantly draw everyone to the table.

Memories of childhood dinners flood back with each savory bite.

Creamy textures and bold flavors blend seamlessly in this classic comfort meal.

Weeknight dinners just became significantly more delicious and satisfying.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future cozy gatherings.

What Makes Mary Berry Pork Casserole Tasty

• Craft Comfort Meal: A hearty pork casserole that delivers rich, satisfying flavors perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings.
• Master One-Pot Wonder: Simple cooking technique requiring minimal prep, where everything comes together in a single baking dish with straightforward steps.
• Adaptable Ingredient Magic: Easily swap vegetables or herbs based on what's available in your kitchen, making this recipe flexible for different taste preferences and pantry contents.
• Slow-Cook Flavor Bomb: Long, gentle baking transforms ordinary ingredients into a deeply delicious meal with tender meat and complex, melded seasonings.

The Full List For Mary Berry Pork Casserole

• Pork: A tender and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for this hearty casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients provide a rich, savory base that adds depth and aroma to the dish.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs contribute a complementary flavor profile that elevates the overall taste of the casserole.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, earthy undertone that enhances the complexity of the dish.

• Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: These ingredients create a rich, tangy sauce that helps to tenderize the pork and add moisture.
• Wine: Adds a sophisticated depth of flavor and helps to deglaze the pan, capturing all the delicious browned bits.
• Stock: Provides additional liquid and intensifies the overall flavor of the casserole.
• Oil: Used for browning the pork and sautéing the aromatics.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Mixed Vegetables: Add nutritional value, texture, and color to the casserole.

Easy Steps To Cook Mary Berry Pork Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 160°C (325°F) so it’s ready for the delicious pork casserole adventure.

Step 2: Sear The Pork

Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet and transform the pork pieces into golden, crispy treasures. Transfer the browned meat to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the same skillet, letting them dance and soften for about 5 minutes until they release their fragrant magic.

Step 4: Splash Of Wine Delight

Pour in a generous splash of wine to lift all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer and reduce slightly.

Step 5: Combine Flavor Makers

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Chicken or beef stock
• Fresh herbs
• Salt and pepper

Step 6: Initial Cooking Phase

Let everything simmer together on the stovetop, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 75 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and meat to become tender.

Step 7: Vegetable Introduction

Gently stir in your chosen vegetables. Uncover the casserole and return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 8: Final Touch

Remove the bay leaf, give the casserole a loving stir, and serve this comforting dish hot and steaming.

Helpful Tips For Mary Berry Pork Casserole

• Elevate Meat Texture: Select well-marbled pork shoulder or Boston butt for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results that enhance overall casserole richness.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sear pork at high heat before braising to develop complex caramelized notes that intensify the dish's taste profile.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover casserole during initial baking to lock in moisture, ensuring succulent meat that remains juicy and flavorful.
• Wine Selection Matters: Choose dry white wines like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to add subtle acidity and complement the pork's natural sweetness.
• Vegetable Timing Technique: Add root vegetables like carrots and potatoes during the final 30 minutes of uncovered baking to maintain their texture and prevent overcooking.

Simple Swaps For Mary Berry Pork Casserole

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace pork with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and marinated in soy sauce for extra flavor.
• Lean Protein Option: Use chicken breast or turkey instead of pork for a lighter meat alternative with similar cooking method.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip traditional vegetables and use low-carb options like zucchini, cauliflower, and bell peppers to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure stock and tomato paste are gluten-free certified, and replace wheat-based thickeners with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a celiac-friendly meal.

Pairing Ideas For Mary Berry Pork Casserole

• Pair Rich Red Wine with Hearty Pork: Choose a bold Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the deep, savory flavors of the pork casserole, matching its robust meat and tomato-based sauce.
• Rustic Bread Sidekick: Select a crusty sourdough or rustic country bread to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional flavor absorption.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness, offering a refreshing counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Creamy Potato Side Dish: Prepare smooth mashed potatoes or creamy potato gratin as a complementary side that harmonizes with the casserole's warm, comforting profile and absorbs the delectable sauce.

How To Save Mary Berry Pork Casserole For Later

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
• Preheat oven to 160C. Place casserole in oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

All FAQs On Mary Berry Pork Casserole

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute pork with beef chuck or lamb shoulder for a similar slow-cooked casserole. Choose cuts that are tough and have good marbling for the best results.

• How do I prevent the meat from becoming tough?

Brown the meat on high heat before slow cooking to seal in flavors and keep it tender. Also, cook at a low temperature and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and softness.

• What herbs work best in this casserole?

Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf are classic herbs that complement pork perfectly. Fresh herbs add more flavor than dried, but both work well in this recipe.

Pork Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 110 mins
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Portuguese pork casserole delivers rich comfort straight from traditional kitchen secrets. Tender meat and robust spices blend seamlessly, promising warmth with each savory bite you’ll eagerly devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder or loin, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cups (300g) chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, and bell peppers)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (125ml) white wine
• 1 1/2 cups (375ml) chicken or vegetable stock
• 14 ounces (400g) canned chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F), preparing a warm environment for slow-cooking the hearty casserole.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet and sear the pork pieces until golden brown, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic for 5 minutes, releasing their aromatic flavors and building a robust flavor foundation.
4. Pour wine into the skillet, scraping up browned bits from the bottom, and allow the liquid to reduce and concentrate.
5. Combine the seared pork with tomatoes, tomato paste, stock, herbs, and seasonings in a deep casserole dish, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated.
6. Cover the casserole and transfer to the preheated oven, letting the meat simmer and tenderize for 75 minutes.
7. Introduce chopped vegetables to the casserole, then return to the oven uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to allow vegetables to cook and sauce to thicken.
8. Remove the bay leaf, which has imparted its subtle flavor during cooking, and serve the rich, succulent pork casserole hot.

Notes

• Choose fatty cuts like shoulder or belly for maximum flavor and tenderness during slow cooking.
• Marinate pork overnight in red wine or herbs to enhance depth and richness of the casserole.
• Sear meat at high temperature to lock in juices and create delicious caramelized exterior before braising.
• Consider gluten-free substitution by using cornstarch instead of traditional flour for thickening sauce and ensuring dietary flexibility.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 105 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 291 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg