Cheesy Pork and Potato Casserole with Vegetables is a hearty, soul-warming dish that brings together tender pork, creamy potatoes, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all baked to perfection. This casserole is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a crowd-pleaser, this recipe fits the bill!
Ingredients
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh dill to taste
- 120 g mayonnaise (about half cup)
- 150 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 garlic cloves (for casserole)
- 700 g potatoes (about 1.5 pounds, peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 additional eggs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 kg pork chops (approximately 2 pounds, boneless or bone-in)
- Vegetable oil (for searing and layering)
- 50 g butter (approximately 3 and a half tablespoons)
- 1 carrot, grated
- 100 g broccoli, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color, diced)
- 100 g mushrooms, sliced
- 50 g black olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (30 g)
- 2 more garlic cloves (for sauce)
- Extra dill (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions
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Prepare the Egg Mayo Base: In a medium bowl, whisk 5 eggs with salt, black pepper, paprika, and chopped dill. Stir in the mayonnaise until smooth, then fold in the shredded mozzarella and two minced garlic cloves. Set aside.
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Season the Potatoes: Toss the thinly sliced potatoes with 2 eggs, paprika, granulated garlic, black pepper, and soy sauce. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
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Sear the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper. Heat vegetable oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the grated carrot, broccoli, bell pepper, mushrooms, and olives until just tender, about 5-7 minutes.
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Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Spread the marinated potatoes in an even layer, arrange the seared pork chops on top, pour the egg mayo mixture over the pork, and finally layer the sautéed vegetables on top.
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Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 180°C for 60 minutes.
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Second Bake for Golden Finish: Uncover the casserole, add extra butter or a sprinkle of cheese on top, and bake for another 40 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
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Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the plain yogurt with crushed garlic, chopped dill, and salt. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
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Serve: Cut the casserole into squares, drizzle with the garlic yogurt sauce, and sprinkle with fresh dill before enjoying.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Nutrition Info (per serving): Approximately 450 calories, 25g protein, 25g fat, 35g carbohydrates.
How to serve
Serve the Cheesy Pork and Potato Casserole hot from the oven, allowing it to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Drizzle generous amounts of the garlic yogurt sauce over each serving for an extra layer of flavor. Pair it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This dish can also be garnished with additional fresh dill for a pop of color and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of meat instead of pork?
Yes, you can easily substitute the pork chops with chicken or turkey for a delicious variation of this casserole.
2. Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Once baked, let the casserole cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight container. To reheat, bake it from frozen at a low temperature until warmed through.
3. What can I add to make it more flavorful?
Consider adding spices like cumin or thyme, or incorporating cheeses like cheddar or gouda to enhance the flavors further.