Aunt Calla'S Casserole
A hearty pork casserole with creamy soups, rice, and vegetables, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork pieces in a skillet.
- Add chopped onions and celery to the pork and sauté until tender.
- Combine the cooked pork and vegetables with cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, chopped celery, chopped onion, uncooked rice, soy sauce, Kitchen Bouquet, sliced water chestnuts, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic salt.
- Place the mixture in a 2 1/2 to 3-quart casserole dish.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the pork in soy sauce and garlic before browning. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute the cream soups with low-fat options or use homemade alternatives. You can also replace the pork with chicken for a variation on this casserole. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking can enhance the richness, similar to what you might find in Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Calla's Casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Dave'S Potatoes for an extra comforting dinner. You could also offer some crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce. For a festive touch, consider serving it with a light white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for a few minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Calla'S Casserole contains roughly 828 calories, with 13g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
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 leftover pork for this casserole?
Absolutely! Using leftover pork is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Just ensure it's chopped into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients. The casserole will still turn out delicious and full of flavor.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the pork with sautéed mushrooms or tempeh. Use vegetable broth and substitute the cream soups with a plant-based alternative. This will keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the refrigerator.
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).