Mary Berry pork casserole is a delightful dish that's perfect for a comforting meal. Known for its rich flavors and tender meat, it's a recipe that can make any dinner feel special. The combination of succulent pork, rich sauce, and hearty vegetables makes it a complete meal that's satisfying and delicious.
In this article, I'll guide you through Mary Berry's Pork Casserole recipe, offering tips to ensure your meat is succulent and your sauce is rich and full-bodied
Let’s get started!
What is Mary Berry Pork Casserole Recipe?
Mary Berry pork casserole is a hearty dish featuring tender pieces of pork cooked in a flavorful sauce with vegetables. The dish is infused with a variety of seasonings and slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a depth of flavor that makes it a standout meal.
Typically serving 4-6 people, this pork casserole requires some preparation but is worth every minute spent, as the end result is a deliciously deep and tender dish.
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Why You Love This Recipe
Here's why this pork casserole recipe might become a new favorite:- Comforting: It's the epitome of comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Flavorful: The combination of herbs, wine, and stock creates a rich and savory sauce.
- Versatile: It's easy to tweak the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Filling: The addition of vegetables makes it a hearty and complete meal.
- User-friendly: The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Pork Casserole
To prepare Mary Berry's pork casserole, gather the following 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
Useful Equipment
You’ll also need a large ovenproof casserole dish, a measuring cup, a measuring spoon, a cutting board, a knife, a wooden spoon, and an oven mitt.Instructions to Make Mary Berry Pork Casserole
Here are the steps to make Mary Berry’s pork casserole recipe:Step 1: Preheat the oven and brown the pork
First, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). This will ensure that the oven is hot enough to cook the pork casserole evenly and quickly. Next, heat the oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned on all sides. This will take about 15 minutes. Browning the pork will seal in the juices and add more flavor to the dish. Remove the pork from the dish and set aside.Step 2: Cook the onion and garlic
In the same dish, add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning. The onion and garlic will add some sweetness and aroma to the dish. They will also help to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the pork.Step 3: Add the liquids and seasonings
Return the pork to the dish, and add the wine, stock, tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly. The wine will add some acidity and depth to the dish, while the stock and tomatoes will provide some moisture and richness. The tomato paste will enhance the color and flavor of the sauce. The bay leaf and thyme will add some herbal notes and freshness to the dish. The salt and pepper will season the dish to your taste.Step 4: Transfer the dish to the oven and cook
Cover the dish and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender. 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. Cooking the pork in the oven will ensure that it is cooked evenly and slowly, resulting in a succulent and flavorful dish.Step 5: Add the vegetables and cook some more
Add the chopped vegetables to the casserole and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. The vegetables will add some color and texture to the dish, as well as some extra nutrients and fiber. You can use any vegetables you like, but I suggest using carrots, celery, and bell peppers, as they go well with the pork and the sauce.Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Remove the bay leaf before serving, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can 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. Enjoy your pork casserole while it’s hot and fresh, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven or on the stove before serving.FAQs
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 the 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.How do I know when the pork is done?
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. You can also check the pork by cutting a piece and seeing if it is tender and cooked through.Can I make Mary Berry's Pork Casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, Mary Berry's Pork Casserole can be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the pork and sauté the vegetables as per the recipe, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender. Adjust the liquid quantity as less is generally needed for slow cooking.Final Words
Mary Berry’s pork casserole recipe is a simple and satisfying dish that you can make with minimal effort and ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy pork in a flavorful and hearty way, and it’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoyed this article, and I hope you’ll try this recipe soon. If you do, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading, and happy cooking!