Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier (and tastier!). This pulled pork casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy families or anyone craving a delicious, homemade meal without the fuss. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times; this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, boasting tender, flavorful pulled pork nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind!)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pork
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds incredible depth of flavor!
Step 2: Simmering the Pork
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and BBQ sauce. Bring to a simmer, then cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 3: Shredding and Mixing
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork directly in the skillet. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup until well combined.
Step 4: Assembling and Baking the Casserole
Stir in the cooked rice and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything gently to ensure even distribution. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Return the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying!
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This delicious pulled pork casserole is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad, coleslaw, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pulled Pork Casserole:
- For even more tender pork, consider using a slow cooker. Simply sear the pork as instructed, then transfer it to your slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor combination. Sweet, smoky, spicy – the choice is yours!
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the pork in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a baking dish for the remaining cooking time.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Pulled Pork Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
- Pulled Pork and Bean Casserole: Add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or black beans to the casserole for added protein and fiber.
- Creamy Tomato Pulled Pork Casserole: Substitute cream of tomato soup for the cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
Enjoy this easy and delicious pulled pork casserole recipe! It's the perfect solution for a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out!