Pork Casserole Mary Berry Recipe

Easy Pork Casserole Recipe: Mary Berry’s Cozy Classic Comfort

Mary Berry’s pork casserole emerges as a comforting culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Home cooks adore this hearty recipe for its deep, complex flavors and simple preparation method.

Succulent pork pieces nestle beautifully in a robust sauce that promises warmth and satisfaction with each delectable bite.

The carefully balanced combination of ingredients creates a harmony that elevates home cooking to an art form.

Subtle seasoning and slow cooking technique ensure the meat remains incredibly tender and juicy throughout the preparation.

Families gather around the table, eagerly anticipating the rich, aromatic dish that speaks of classic home-style cooking.

Your dinner guests will be impressed by the sophisticated yet approachable nature of this beloved recipe: prepare to receive enthusiastic compliments.

Cooking Pork Casserole With Ease and Depth

Cooking Pork Casserole With Ease and Depth

Step 1: Sear the Pork

Heat of olive oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish over medium-high heat. Add of pork chunks and cook until golden brown on all sides, creating a delicious caramelized exterior. Transfer the browned pork to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same dish, add:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic cloves

Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

Return the pork to the dish and pour in:
  • Red wine
  • Beef or chicken stock
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato paste
  • Bay leaf
  • Sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt & black pepper

Stir everything together to combine the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Initiate Simmering

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to start melding together.

Step 5: Slow Cook in Oven

Cover the dish and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C). Cook for 1 to 1.5 hours until the pork becomes incredibly tender and starts to fall apart.

Step 6: Add Vegetable Goodness

Stir in: chopped carrots, chopped celery stalks, and peeled and chopped potatoes

Continue cooking for another 30 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the casserole reaches a rich, comforting consistency.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy the robust, warming flavors of this classic casserole.

Pork Tips From Mary’s Homestyle Kitchen

Pork Tips From Mary’s Homestyle Kitchen
  • Elevate Flavor Complexity: Experiment with sundried tomatoes, olives, or sliced mushrooms to introduce unexpected taste layers.
  • Customize Protein Options: Easily swap pork with chicken, beef, or vegetarian alternatives like tofu or tempeh for personalized meal variations.
  • Enhance Wine Profile: Replace red wine with white wine to create a lighter, more delicate flavor foundation.
  • Mix Vegetable Textures: Incorporate seasonal vegetables and legumes to boost nutritional value and add vibrant color to the casserole.
  • Boost Seasoning Depth: Try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to intensify the dish's aromatic qualities without overwhelming the main ingredients.

Storage Ideas for Keeping Casserole Delicious

Storage Ideas for Keeping Casserole Delicious
  • Freezer Portioning: Divide casserole into individual meal-sized containers. Wrap each portion tightly with freezer-safe wrap to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor. Seal containers completely, removing excess air to preserve quality.
  • Temperature Safety: Always reheat pork casserole to 165°F internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to confirm safe consumption temperature. Discard any portion that seems questionable or has unusual odor or texture.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store in airtight container within two hours after cooking. Keep refrigerated for maximum 3-4 days. Place container on lower shelves to prevent potential cross-contamination with other foods. Avoid repeated reheating, which can degrade taste and texture.

Pork Casserole Upgrades to Try Tonight

  • Rustic Mediterranean Pork Fusion: Replace wine with white wine vinegar and add kalamata olives, chopped rosemary, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Pork Casserole: Incorporate diced green chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, and replace some stock with salsa for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Cider Apple Autumn Comfort: Swap wine with apple cider, add diced apples, and include sage and nutmeg to create a warm, seasonal version of the classic casserole.
  • Herb Garden Pork Celebration: Enhance the herb blend by adding fresh chopped parsley, oregano, and a touch of fennel seeds to elevate the aromatic complexity of the dish.

Our Thoughts on Mary’s Flavorful Dish

Succulent pork casserole beckons with Mary Berry’s signature charm, promising warmth and comfort in each spoonful.

British culinary traditions shine through this hearty dish, blending robust flavors and tender meats.

Fragrant herbs and rich tomato base create an irresistible symphony of taste sensations.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels into its delicious world.

Family gatherings and weekend meals find their perfect centerpiece with this classic casserole.

Bon appétit, culinary adventurers – share this delightful recipe, sprinkle comments below, and spread deliciousness across your favorite social platforms!

Why Mary Berry’s Pork Casserole Is a Hearty Choice

Why Mary Berry’s Pork Casserole Is a Hearty Choice
  • Savor Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pork: This casserole transforms tough meat into a luxurious, fall-apart dish that practically dissolves on your tongue with minimal effort.
  • Quick One-Pot Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by using a single ovenproof dish that moves seamlessly from stovetop to oven, reducing cleanup and saving precious time in the kitchen.
  • Packed with Hearty Comfort: The combination of rich wine, aromatic herbs, and slow-cooked vegetables creates a deeply satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth and flavor, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
  • Foolproof Cooking Method: Mary Berry's straightforward technique ensures even home cooks with limited skills can achieve restaurant-quality results, making this recipe a confidence-boosting culinary adventure.

The Ingredients Behind Mary’s Slow Cooked Pork

Meat:
  • Pork: A tender cut perfect for slow cooking, best when trimmed of excess fat and cut into even-sized pieces.
Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that add depth and sweetness to the casserole.
  • Bay Leaf, Thyme: Classic herbs that provide earthy and subtle aromatic notes to enhance the dish.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Wine: Adds complexity and helps tenderize the meat with its acidic properties.
  • Stock: Creates a rich, savory base for the casserole, ensuring moisture and depth of flavor.
  • Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provide natural sweetness, acidity, and help thicken the sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Oil: Helps brown the meat and prevents sticking during initial cooking stages.
Vegetables:
  • Chopped Vegetables: Adds nutritional value, texture, and additional flavor to the casserole.
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Pork Casserole Mary Berry Recipe

Pork Casserole Mary Berry Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mary Berry’s classic pork casserole brings rustic British comfort to your dinner table. Tender meat, hearty vegetables, and rich gravy combine in a delightful one-pot meal that will warm souls and satisfy hungry diners with its traditional home-style charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

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

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (125 milliliters) white wine
  • 1 ½ cups (375 milliliters) chicken or vegetable stock
  • 14 ounces (400 grams) canned chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Sear the pork pieces until golden brown on all exterior surfaces, creating a rich caramelized crust. Transfer the browned meat to a separate plate.
  3. Lower the heat and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in the same dish, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  4. Carefully reintroduce the browned pork to the dish, creating layers of flavor.
  5. Pour in 1 cup (240 milliliters) of dry red wine, 1 cup (240 milliliters) of beef or chicken stock, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, fresh thyme sprigs, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Gently stir the ingredients to ensure comprehensive integration and distribute seasonings evenly.
  7. Allow the liquid to reach a gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat to a low simmer for 5-6 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Cover the casserole dish and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C).
  9. Slow-cook the pork for 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing the meat to become exceptionally tender and absorb surrounding aromatics.
  10. Add chopped root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips directly into the braising liquid.
  11. Continue cooking for an additional 30-35 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender and pork falls apart effortlessly.
  12. Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

  • Elevate your comfort food game with this show-stopping pork casserole that turns simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
  • Leftovers transform magically overnight, developing deeper, more intense flavors that taste even better than the first serving.
  • Freezer-friendly preparation means you can stash extra portions for busy weeknights when cooking feels impossible.
  • Fatty pork cuts like shoulder guarantee maximum tenderness, creating melt-in-your-mouth meat that falls apart with gentle prodding.
  • Cooking slowly allows every ingredient to mingle and marry, producing a rich sauce that begs to be soaked up with crusty bread.
  • Professional chefs’ secret: letting meat reach room temperature before cooking ensures beautiful, even caramelization and richer flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering, Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 490 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Isabella Rodriguez

Isabella Rodriguez

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning

Education

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Diploma: Grand Diplôme®
  • Focus: Intensive training in classic French cuisine and pastry techniques, combining the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.

Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.

At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

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