A Pork and Cranberry Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish with a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. The tender pork pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the cranberries, and it’s all brought together with a rich, creamy sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to make this comforting casserole!
Pork and Cranberry Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin or pork chops, cut into cubes or strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your preferred cheese)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes and cook for about 4-5 minutes, browning on all sides. Once cooked, remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Add the cranberries, chicken broth, heavy cream, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to soften.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the cranberries start to break down and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken.
5. Combine Pork and Sauce:
- Return the browned pork to the skillet, stirring to coat the meat in the cranberry sauce. Let it simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the pork to absorb the flavors.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the pork and cranberry mixture to a greased baking dish (about 9×9 inches). Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Tips:
- Variation: You can also add sliced mushrooms or baby carrots to the casserole for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time, covered, and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
- Use Pork Chops: If using pork chops instead of tenderloin, just cook them slightly longer to ensure they are fully cooked through before adding the sauce.
This Pork and Cranberry Casserole is a fantastic combination of savory pork and the sweet-tart burst of cranberries. It’s the perfect cozy dish for a winter meal or any occasion that calls for comfort food!
