Creamy Slow Cooked Pork Casserole
Try this Creamy Slow Cooked Pork Casserole recipe.
Try this Creamy Slow Cooked Pork Casserole recipe.
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- mashed potatoes
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- to serve:
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 500 g (1.1 pounds) diced pork
- 1/4 tsp celery salt (optional – i find it adds a nice savo
- 12 baby mushrooms chopped in half
- 250 ml (1 cup) dry cider (usually gluten free but best to check)
- 420 ml (1 3/4 cups) chicken or vegetable stock (water plu or use 2 tsp bouillon for gluten free)
- 150 g (1/2 cup) bacon lardons or chopped streaky bacon
- 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with 3 tbsp cold wate
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) double (heavy) cream
- steamed kale or other green veg
- Carbohydrate 37.0410147916667 g
- Cholesterol 4.2 mg
- Fat 6.32812146052445 g
- Fiber 3.26014791576068 g
- Protein 4.106105 g
- Saturated Fat 0.912293677244709 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (380g)
- Sodium 635.340770833333 mg
- Sugar 33.780866875906 g
- Trans Fat 0.399661677109998 g
- Calories 221 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 170c/325f.
- Heat 1 1/2 tbsp of the vegetable oil in a large casserole dish until hot.
- Add the pork, salt, pepper and celery salt and brown on all sides - it should take around 6-8 minutes.
- Turn the heat down to medium and add in the onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion softens.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for a further two minutes, then add the carrots, cider, stock and dried thyme.
- Turn up the heat and bring to a boil. Stir and scrape up any bits that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Place a lid on the pan, and place in the oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours*, until the pork flakes apart when you press it with a fork.
- Check a couple of times during the last hour of cooking and add a splash of water or stock if it's starting to look a little dry.
- Just before the casserole comes out of the oven, heat the remaining 1/2 tbsp oil in a frying pan and cook the bacon lardons until crispy. Turn off the heat.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the cornstarch and water mixture to thicken, then stir in the cream.
- Taste and season with a little more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve with green veg on top of mashed potatoes. Sprinkle on a little chopped parsley before serving.
Creamy Slow Cooked Pork Casserole: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a monumental task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present pressure to get dinner on the table without sacrificing quality or taste. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they're my secret weapon for effortlessly preparing flavorful meals even on the busiest of days.
This Creamy Slow Cooked Pork Casserole is a perfect example. It’s incredibly versatile, adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand, and utterly comforting. The slow cooking process infuses the pork with a deep, rich flavor, while the creamy sauce adds a touch of elegance that belies its simplicity. Forget complicated techniques and tedious chopping; this recipe prioritizes ease and deliciousness.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its flexibility. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences and what you have available. Don't have cider? Apple juice works just as well. Out of carrots? Add some extra mushrooms or peas instead. The core flavors of pork, onion, and a creamy sauce will shine through no matter what variations you choose. It's also fantastic for meal prepping. Prepare the casserole ahead of time, pop it in the fridge, and then simply reheat it when you're ready to eat. This saves valuable time during the week, and ensures you always have a delicious and healthy meal ready.
The aroma that fills your kitchen while this casserole simmers is intoxicating – a blend of savory pork, earthy mushrooms, and slightly sweet cider. It's the kind of aroma that promises comfort and satisfaction, and it certainly delivers. The tender pork practically melts in your mouth, the creamy sauce is rich and luscious, and the vegetables add a vibrant touch of color and texture. Served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, this dish is the epitome of cozy comfort food.
This Creamy Slow Cooked Pork Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and slow cooking. It's a recipe that allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant-quality stress. So, next time you're looking for a weeknight dinner that's both delicious and effortless, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed.
I've found that serving this with a side of steamed kale or other green vegetables adds a nice balance of colors and textures to the plate. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients! The simple addition of fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness to the dish, both visually and in terms of taste. It's those little details that elevate a good meal to something truly special.
Don't underestimate the power of comfort food, especially on a busy weeknight. This casserole is a delicious, easy way to nurture your family and yourself with a hearty and satisfying meal. It's a recipe that has become a staple in my household, and I hope it finds its way into yours as well. Enjoy!
