Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired pork tenderloin casserole blends rich spices with tender meat and melted cheese. Comfort meets flavor in this simple yet satisfying dish that brings warm culinary memories right to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 kg (2.2 pounds) pork tenderloin
- 250 g (8.8 ounces) bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 onions, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 200 g (7 ounces) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 kg (2.2 pounds) potatoes, peeled and sliced
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 200 ml (6.8 fluid ounces) milk
- 100 g (3.5 ounces) cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Thyme, to taste
- Italian herbs, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
Instructions
- Elevate the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F), preparing a culinary canvas for this sumptuous dish.
- Transform the pork tenderloin into a flavor-packed masterpiece by generously coating it with an aromatic blend of salt, pepper, thyme, Italian herbs, and paprika. Sizzle the meat in a hot pan with vegetable oil, creating a golden-brown exterior that seals in the juices. Carefully transfer the seared tenderloin to a waiting plate.
- Utilize the same pan to coax out the natural sweetness of onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Gently cook until the vegetables surrender their vibrant colors and become tender. Introduce milk to create a velvety sauce, simmering until it thickens and develops a luxurious consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to harmonize the flavors.
- Craft a delectable foundation by arranging potato slices as the base layer in a baking dish. Delicately season with salt and pepper. Nestle the perfectly seared pork tenderloin atop the potatoes, creating a picturesque arrangement. Lavish the dish with the creamy vegetable mixture, then crown it with a sprinkle of crispy bacon and melting cheese.
- Envelop the baking dish in aluminum foil, creating a protective cocoon that allows the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize. Bake for approximately 1 hour, then unveil the dish and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. Watch as the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Allow the tenderloin a moment of rest, letting the juices redistribute and ensure maximum succulence. Slice with precision and present the dish, revealing layers of flavor and texture that promise a memorable culinary experience.
Notes
- Enhance the sear by patting the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Swap regular milk with low-fat or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for a lighter, dairy-free version of the casserole.
- Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Elevate flavor complexity by adding a splash of white wine or chicken stock to the vegetable mixture for deeper, more robust taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg