Hearty Pork Casserole Mary Berry Recipe

Heartwarming Pork Casserole Recipe: Mary Berry’s Soulful Supper

Succulent mary berry’s pork casserole transforms humble ingredients into a symphony of comfort and flavor.

This hearty recipe whispers tales of home-cooked elegance with its melt-in-your-mouth meat and luxurious sauce.

Tender pork pieces dance in a robust blend of seasonings, promising a culinary experience that transcends ordinary weeknight dinners.

Each spoonful carries the warmth of traditional cooking, infused with depth and character.

The slow-cooking method unlocks layers of rich, nuanced tastes that will captivate even the most discerning palate.

Generations of home cooks have embraced this remarkable dish for its simplicity and soul-warming qualities.

Grab your cooking pot and get ready to create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Kitchen Equipment for Pork Casserole by Mary Berry

  • Large ovenproof casserole dish: Your kitchen workhorse for this hearty meal.
  • Cutting board: Perfect surface for chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Essential for cleanly dicing onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes.
  • Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Plate: Temporarily holds browned pork during cooking.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately pour wine and stock.
  • Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes.
  • Tongs: Useful for turning and moving pork chunks while searing.

How to Make Mary Berry’s Pork Casserole

How to Make Mary Berry’s Pork Casserole
  • Brown the Meat Quickly

Blast the pork chunks in a hot ovenproof dish with sizzling olive oil, creating a gorgeous golden crust that locks in rich flavors. Scoop the browned meat onto a waiting plate.

  • Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and garlic into the same pan, letting them dance and soften until they release their mouthwatering fragrance throughout the kitchen.

  • Build Deep Flavor Layers

Reunite the pork with the softened onions, then splash in red wine, stock, tomatoes, and herbs. Stir everything together to create a luscious foundation that promises incredible depth and complexity.

  • Transform in the Oven

Seal the dish and slide it into a warm oven, letting the ingredients mingle and transform. Allow the pork to become meltingly tender over slow, gentle heat for about 90 minutes.

  • Introduce Hearty Vegetables

Fold in chunky carrots, celery, and potatoes during the final cooking stage. These humble ingredients will soak up all the incredible sauce and add substantial comfort to the casserole.

  • Finish with Finesse

Pull out the herbs, taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve this soul-warming dish directly from the pan, inviting everyone to dig into a rustic, deeply satisfying meal that speaks of home and comfort.

Mary Berry Pork Casserole: Easy Variations

Mary Berry Pork Casserole: Easy Variations
  • Meat Selection Magic: Choose pork shoulder or pork butt for maximum tenderness and rich flavor. These cuts have more marbling, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture that transforms your casserole from good to extraordinary.
  • Wine Wisdom: Experiment with different red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to add depth and complexity. Each wine brings unique undertones that subtly enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Veggie Versatility: Swap or add root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for exciting flavor variations. Seasonal vegetables can dramatically change the character of your casserole while keeping the core cooking method consistent.
  • Herb Hack: Replace fresh thyme with rosemary or sage for a different aromatic experience. Dried herbs work equally well if fresh aren't available, using about one-third the quantity to maintain balanced flavors.

Ways to Serve Pork Casserole by Mary Berry

Ways to Serve Pork Casserole by Mary Berry
  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Tear chunks of rustic sourdough or baguette to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce, transforming each bite into a delightful experience.
  • Pair with Hearty Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the deep, robust flavors of the pork casserole.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the dish's richness and provides a vibrant color contrast.
  • Create a Complete Meal: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, comforting dish.

Storage Tips for Mary Berry Pork Casserole

  • Preserve Freshness: Store leftover casserole in airtight containers, keeping the dish fresh and delicious for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to lock in those incredible flavors and prevent moisture loss.
  • Freeze with Ease: Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Portions will stay perfect for 2-3 months, providing quick and satisfying meals during busy weeks.
  • Reheat Perfectly: Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole gently in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's original rich texture and taste.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Simply pop into the oven when ready to cook, saving time and allowing flavors to develop more deeply before serving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Mary Berry Pork Casserole

For Meat:
  • Pork Chunks: Select well-marbled, fresh cuts for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
For Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onions, Garlic: Choose firm, fragrant bulbs without soft spots or sprouting.
  • Red Wine: Pick a robust, dry variety that complements the hearty meat.
  • Bay Leaf, Thyme: Look for fresh, vibrant herbs with deep green color and strong aroma.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground spices to elevate the dish's depth.
  • Beef or Chicken Stock: Select low-sodium versions for better flavor control.
  • Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes: Seek high-quality, ripe tomato products for rich, concentrated taste.
For Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Celery, Potatoes: Pick firm, fresh produce without blemishes or soft spots, ensuring crisp texture and full-bodied flavor.
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Hearty Pork Casserole Mary Berry Recipe

Hearty Pork Casserole Mary Berry Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mary Berry’s pork casserole delivers rich comfort through classic British culinary tradition. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a warm meal that invites diners to savor each delectable spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder or loin, cubed
  • 2 cups (300g) chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups (375 ml) chicken or vegetable stock
  • ½ cup (125 ml) white wine
  • 14 oz (400g) canned chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tbsps vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsps tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Searing: Heat olive oil in an ovenproof casserole dish over medium-high heat. Brown pork pieces thoroughly, creating a caramelized exterior, then transfer to a separate plate.
  2. Aromatic Foundation: Reduce heat and sauté onions and garlic until translucent, developing a rich flavor base. Return browned pork to the dish, layering complexity.
  3. Liquid Infusion: Introduce red wine, beef stock, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir comprehensively to distribute seasonings and create a harmonious braising liquid.
  4. Initial Cooking: Bring mixture to a gentle boil, immediately reduce to a low simmer for flavor melding. Cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C).
  5. Slow Transformation: Cook for 1 hour, allowing pork to become exceptionally tender. Incorporate root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips into the braising liquid.
  6. Final Refinement: Continue cooking an additional 30-35 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender and pork reaches a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs, adjust seasonings to taste, and serve.

Notes

  • Meat Selection Matters: Choose well-marbled pork shoulder or pork butt for maximum tenderness and rich flavor development during slow cooking.
  • Wine Wisdom: Use a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance depth and create complex, layered taste profiles in the casserole.
  • Searing Secrets: Brown meat thoroughly before braising to lock in juices and develop a delectable caramelized exterior that amplifies overall taste.
  • Temperature Precision: Maintain a consistent low oven temperature around 325°F to ensure gradual, gentle cooking that transforms tough meat into meltingly soft, succulent bites.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering, Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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