Pork Casserole Mary Berry

Mary Berry’s Pork Casserole is a warm and satisfying dish, perfect for holiday meals or any other time of year. Pork is gently cooked in a rich sauce until it is tender and full of flavor, creating a dish that is guaranteed to please. In this post, we will walk you through every step of preparing this delicious pork casserole, from choosing the best cut of pork to the ideal cooking time.

Which Cut Of Pork Is Best For Casserole?

For the best results, choose a cut of pork that’s suitable for slow cooking, such as shoulder or loin. These cuts have a good balance of fat and lean meat, ensuring that your casserole remains juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.

Can I Use Frozen Pork For The Casserole 

Yes, you can use frozen pork for Pork Casserole. To prepare frozen pork, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Ensure the pork is fully thawed before cooking, as this will help it cook evenly and prevent it from becoming tough.

Pork Casserole Cooking Time

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Cook the pork casserole for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is soft and cooked through. To make sure the pork is done, I recommend using a meat thermometer. The casserole is done when the core temperature of the pork reaches between 145°F and 170°F.

Mary Berry Pork Casserole Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder or loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (125ml) white wine
• 1 1/2 cups (375ml) chicken or vegetable stock
• 14 oz (400g) canned chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (300g) chopped vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers

How To Make Mary Berry Pork Casserole

1. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the dish and set aside.
2. In the same dish, add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Return the pork to the dish, and add the wine, stock, tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Cover the dish and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender.
6. Add the chopped vegetables to the casserole and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf before serving, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

What To Serve With Pork Casserole

Serve your pork casserole with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Recipe Tips

• Substitute red wine for white wine for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Add mushrooms, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for added depth and complexity.
• Swap out the pork for chicken or beef if you prefer a different protein.
• For a vegetarian option, use a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh, or add extra vegetables and beans.

How Long Does Pork Casserole Last? (and How to do it)

• In Fridge: Store the pork casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• In Freezer: You can freeze the pork casserole for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container.

How To Thaw Frozen Pork Casserole 

1. Remove the frozen casserole from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator.
2. Allow the casserole to thaw gradually overnight, or for at least 8-12 hours.
3. Once thawed, reheat the casserole using the oven, air fryer, or microwave.

Is It Ok To Reheat A Pork Casserole?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to reheat pork casserole. Reheating allows you to enjoy leftovers while maintaining their flavor and texture.

How To Reheat Pork Casserole In The Right Way

In Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
3. Heat the casserole for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

In Air Fryer:

1. Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
2. Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

In Microwave:

1. Transfer the casserole to a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or wax paper.
2. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

How Do You Keep Cooked Pork From Drying Out?

To keep cooked pork from drying out, store it in an airtight container with some of the sauce from the casserole. This will help retain moisture and prevent the pork from becoming dry.

How To Make Pork Moist And Tender?

1. Select the right cut: Choose cuts like pork shoulder or loin, which have a good balance of fat and lean meat.
2. Marinate: Marinate the pork to add flavor and tenderize the meat.
3. Cook low and slow: Use slow cooking methods, like braising or slow roasting, to break down tough muscle fibers and retain moisture.
4. Avoid overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches the right internal temperature without overcooking.
5. Rest before cutting: Allow the cooked pork to rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat.

What Can I Do If My Casserole Turns Out Too Watery?   

If your casserole is too watery, remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. 

You can also thicken the sauce by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water, and then stirring this mixture into the casserole. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Mary Berry Pork Casserole Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 292
• Total Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 6.6g
• Trans Fat: 0.1g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.6g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 66mg
• Sodium: 137mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 17g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.6g
• Sugars: 3.4g
• Protein: 18g

FAQs

1. Can I Make It In A Slow Cooker? Yes, you can make pork casserole in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours, adding the vegetables during the last hour of cooking.
2. Can I Make It Ahead Of Time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop even further.
3. Can I Use Bone-in Pork? es, you can use bone-in pork, but be aware that the cooking time may be slightly 10-15 mins cooking time longer. You’ll also need to remove the bones before serving.

Try Other Mary Berry Recipes:

• Asparagus Soup Mary Berry
• Mary Berry Apple And Sultana Cake
• Apple Chutney Mary Berry