Pulled Pork Casserole Recipe This classic pulled pork casserole recipe is the ultimate in dig inside, grow contented dinner that hits the table with a bang for your guaranteed family members and visitors alike. Whether stuffed using cheese, rice or potatoes, this simple casserole combines tender pulled pork in the smokiest way possible. This pulled pork casserole recipe is exactly the one you’ll find yourself going back to when you want to use up leftover pulled pork casserole but also fits with preparing it fresh right from the start. Full of flavor and comfort, this meal is ideal for anything from hectic weeknights to a leisurely family dinner on the weekend.
Why You’ll Love This Pulled Pork Casserole Recipe
This pulled pork casserole is an easy make ahead meal that you can amp to your desired tastes and audiences. This recipe is one of those dishes you crave while enjoying the deliciousness, but realizing how easy it all came together helps play a role in its beauty after your pulled pork got made (whether homemade or store bought), it only requires just a few basic pantry-available ingredients to create an enticing meal sure to please any crowd. If you’re using slow cooker pulled pork casserole or baked pulled pork casserole, you will end up with the same beautiful, cheesy comfort food!
This is great for using up leftover pulled pork casserole you have from last time or making fresh pulled pork in a slow cooker. Not to mention it can be served over rice, potatoes or just cornbread and you can switch it up so that you will have a different dish every time you make it.
Ingredients for Pulled Pork Casserole
Cheesy pulled pork casserole ingredients:
- 3 cups shredded pulled pork (pork leftover we typically used best)
- 1 cup of the BBQ Sauce you like best
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (or whiz, or a true blend of both)
- 2 cups cooked rice (or mash potato if you prefer)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can of corn kernels (optional, just to gain some sweetness)
- 1 cup sour cream (for added creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Step-by-Step Method to Make Pulled Pork Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) for this step. The casserole bakes right and the cheese melts glorious, you know that golden bubbling top we all love.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice or Potatoes
If you are using rice, cook according to package directions. For the casserole base, you’ll want approximately 2 cups of cooked rice. Otherwise, if mashed potatoes are more up your alley, make them fresh or pop open a box of store-bought ones. These will be the comforting base of your casserole absorbing all those delicious juices from the pulled pork and BBQ sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. You will end up with deep flavor coming from the onions. Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in with the onions and cook for 1 more minute. This makes for an even more fabulous casserole by bringing out all of the aromatic flavors.
Step 4: Combine the Pulled Pork and BBQ Sauce
Now, chuck the pulled pork in the skillet with whatever BBQ sauce your heart desires. Toss it all together until all pieces of pulled pork are covered in the sauce. Simmer on lower warmth for five minutes in an effort to marry cook dinner and pork is re-heated. This step is fast if you are using leftover pulled pork casserole, because the meat is already cooked.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
It’s finally time to assemble the casserole. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading the cooked rice (or mashed potatoes) evenly across the bottom of the pan. Spoon the pulled pork mixture on top of the rice so that you can spread it over at the bottom. Next, cover the pork with a thick layer of sour cream for some rich acidity.
Then pour the freshly shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the whole casserole. If you are a cheese person, add some cheese into the layers for extra cheese factor. Optional But Highly Recommend, Add Corn Kernels For Slight Sweetness And Bite This provides texture and colour as well as flavour to the casserole.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole in the hot oven until the cheese melts and become bubbly, about 20 to 25 min. When the top is golden brown and the casserole is warmed through, you know it’s done. It gets a little crispy on the edges, which complements the creamy center.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
After your casserole is baked, let it sit for 5 minutes and then serve. This allows to set and makes it easier to slice. Serve in full color / Season with parsley in addition to freshness. Pair with some steamed veggies or a light green salad for the full meal.
Tips for Making the Best Pulled Pork Casserole
- Use Leftover Pulled Pork: This is great because one of the things I love about this recipe is that it uses leftover pulled pork casserole. It gives you an easy, yummy meal with little extra effort while also minimizing food waste.
- Include More Vegetables: For a more wholesome casserole, incorporate veggies such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Add the sautéed veggies with the onions, or layer them into this casserole for even more texture and taste.
- Spice it Up: For some heat, throw in a few diced jalapeños or several shakes of hot sauce to the pulled pork mix. This will add some spice to the casserole.
- Alternate Bases: The recipe suggests serving the dish over rice or mashed potatoes, but get creative and try it with other bases if you like. You could also switch out cornbread for a southern-style casserole, or switch it for cauliflower rice to go low-carb.
- Cheese Changes: You can easily change up the cheese. Cheddar is the classic option, but feel free to use mozzarella for more melty texture, gouda for smoky flavor or pepper jack for an added kick.
Variations on Pulled Pork Casserole
Although this is a great base recipe, there are endless ways you can tailor it for personal preference:
- Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Casserole: Toss cooked macaroni pasta into the casserole for a creamy, cheesy pulled pork mac and cheese casserole.
- Pulled Pork with Cornbread Topping: Use cornbread batter to top off your casserole instead of rice or potatoes. As it cooks the cornbread will develop a golden and crumbly crust, this adds texture as well as taste.
- Pulled Pork and Potato Casserole: So in another way, make in more hearty with thinly slicing potatoes or mashing potato base pulled pork and potato casserole. All those flavors from the pulled pork seep into the potatoes, it is a really thorough bodied meal.
- Keto-Friendly Pulled Pork Casserole: For low-carb or keto, sub in cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for regular rice or potatoes.
Conclusion
The pulled pork casserole, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a get-together with the family. Simple enough to make, and delicious as leftovers the next day. Smoky, pulled pork, spices or whatever else you like in there, creamy cheese and a ton of starch to make it filling—comfort food at its finest. Use fresh or leftover pulled pork casserole, either way you have a flavour packed meal.
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting with just a bit of sweetness-to-tang; this easy pulled pork casserole recipe is one that is sure to be in your back pocket for quick meals. This one is easy to customize, inexpensive and a sure-fire hit. If you have some pulled pork on hand, give this casserole a shot or maybe even if you don’t. It could just become a family favorite!
This flavorful pulled pork casserole recipe is intended to be simple yet filling. Changes can be made to the base and the toppings allowing you to create a simple pulled pork casserole that suits your family preferences. This will hit the spot, whether you do it baked pulled pork casserole or slow cooker pulled pork casserole.
