Apple And Pork Casserole
A hearty apple and pork casserole featuring tender pork, tart apples, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners with a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon shortening ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 3 cups cubed, cooked pork ⓘ
- 2 tart apples, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- mashed potatoes (4 servings) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 beaten egg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded American cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook chopped onion in shortening until tender.
- Stir in cream of chicken soup, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add cooked, cubed pork and chopped apples.
- Mix well to combine.
- Spoon the mixture into an 8-inch round baking dish with 1 1/2-inch depth.
- Prepare mashed potatoes using 1/4 cup milk and a dash of pepper.
- Beat the egg into the mashed potatoes.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes in 6 mounds atop the pork mixture.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded American cheese over the casserole.
- Return to the oven until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting the American cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cooked mashed potatoes can be used instead of making them from scratch. You can also use leftover pork from other meals, such as those from American recipes that include roasted pork. Adjust the sweetness by using different apple varieties to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside garlic bread or dinner rolls. A drizzle of homemade apple cider vinaigrette can enhance the flavors. It is perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner, reminiscent of hearty American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be cautious as this may affect the texture of the mashed potatoes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple And Pork Casserole contains roughly 1645 calories, with 8g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 131g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?
Yes, chicken or turkey can be good substitutes for pork in this casserole. Just ensure they are cooked before adding to the dish. Ground meat can also work, but you may need to adjust cooking times to ensure everything is heated through properly.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal as they provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the brown sugar. Avoid overly sweet apples, as they can make the dish too sugary. You can also mix different apple varieties for added flavor complexity.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).