Ah, pork casseroles—the unsung hero of the weeknight dinner table. They’re like a warm hug, aren’t they? Imagine coming home after a long day, the aroma of savory pork mingling with herbs wafting through the air. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget how many episodes of your favorite show you’ve binged this week.
Steps
- Prepare a homemade cream of chicken soup by melting 2.5 tablespoons of butter, whisking in a heaping tablespoon of flour to form a roux, then adding 1.5 cups of milk. Stir in a teaspoon of low-sodium chicken bouillon, a dash of cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of dill weed. Let this mixture cook until it thickens.
- Chop your vegetables using a food chopper, excluding corn if desired, and sauté them until tender. Meanwhile, cook farfalle pasta (or your choice of noodles) according to package instructions.
- Combine the chopped, sautéed vegetables and cooked pasta with your homemade cream of chicken soup. Mix in the leftover pork, sour cream, and shredded cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, ensuring it is evenly spread. Top it with a layer of panko breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
- Preheat your oven or air fryer to an appropriate temperature and bake the casserole until it is heated through and the top is golden brown. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Ingredients
- Leftover pork loin
- Farfalle (bowtie) noodles
- Homemade cream of chicken soup:
- 2.5 tablespoons butter
- 1 heaping tablespoon flour
- 1 heaping teaspoon premium low sodium Better than Bouillon
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- A little dill weed
- 1.5 cups milk
- Sautéed chopped vegetables (excluding corn)
- Sour cream
- Cheese (e.g., cheddar)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Optional ingredients for variation:
- 4 tablespoons butter (for bechamel variation)
- 6 tablespoons flour (for bechamel variation)
- 1.5 cups almond milk (for bechamel variation)
- Fresh mushrooms (instead of carrots)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Minced garlic
- 1 can diced chilies
- Red pepper flakes
- Tortilla chips or Doritos chips (as topping alternative)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of noodle in this casserole?
- Yes, you can substitute the egg noodles with other types like farfalle (bowtie) noodles, as one reviewer did with great success.
- Is it possible to make this recipe without canned soup?
- Absolutely. You can create your own cream of chicken soup by making a roux with butter and flour, then adding milk and seasonings of your choice.
- What are some alternatives for the vegetable ingredients?
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. For instance, you can replace carrots with sliced mushrooms or skip certain vegetables like corn if preferred.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the casserole?
- To boost the flavor, consider adding spices like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also try topping the casserole with tortilla chips for added texture and taste.
- Can I make adjustments to the breadcrumb topping?
- Yes, you can customize the breadcrumb topping by mixing it with butter, thyme, and oregano, or use different toppings like tortilla chips to suit your taste.
Tips
- Consider making your own cream of chicken soup for a fresher taste. Melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux, and add low-sodium broth, cayenne pepper, dill weed, and milk. Let it simmer until it thickens.
- Experiment with different types of noodles, such as farfalle or bowtie pasta, if you’re looking to change things up from the traditional egg noodles.
- Enhance the flavor by sautéing all chopped vegetables before adding them to the casserole. This can bring out a richer taste in the dish.
- For a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with butter and herbs like thyme and oregano, or try topping with crushed tortilla or Dorito chips for a flavorful twist.
Equipment
- Mini Food Chopper – For chopping vegetables efficiently.
- Air Fryer Oven – Used for baking the casserole.
- Pyrex Baking Dish (8 x 8 inch) – For baking the casserole.
- Whisk – For making the roux and sauce.
