We’ve all been there – with a little bit of leftover pork and not enough to go around. But fear not! We’ve got some fantastic recipes that will transform your leftover pork into mouthwatering dishes. Say goodbye to food waste and hello to saucy goodness. If you’re looking for a family-friendly recipe that’s easy to make and freezer-friendly, then you’ve come to the right place.
The Comfort Food Classic
Introducing our saucy pork and noodle bake, a true comfort food classic. This dish is not only a hit with kids, but it’s also a nostalgia-inducing favorite of mine. It’s one of those recipes that has been passed down through generations, and its simplicity and deliciousness have stood the test of time.
Embracing Leftovers
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It’s designed to use up pork leftovers and pantry staples, making it a go-to meal when you’re in a pinch. Plus, it freezes like a dream, allowing you to prep ahead and have a delicious dinner ready at a moment’s notice.
Getting Cookin’
Let’s talk about the ingredients. Start with about 2 cups of leftover cooked pork. It doesn’t matter if it’s seasoned or not – you can get creative with the flavors. If you have pork tenderloins seasoned with a spicy barbecue rub, that’s a fantastic option. But don’t worry if you don’t have that on hand. Any cooked pork will do the trick.
Now, let’s add some other key ingredients to the mix. Grab some wavy egg noodles, condensed chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, canned Mexicorn (corn with diced peppers), and fresh onions. These ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful casserole that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Assembling the Magic
First, cut your cooked pork into bite-sized chunks. Then, cook the egg noodles for half the recommended time, so they retain their texture in the baked casserole. Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken soup, Mexicorn, shredded cheddar, pork, and onions (if using). Stir until everything is well combined. Add the noodles to the mixture and gently fold them in, ensuring that everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the prepared casserole to a greased baking pan. You can use a deep 2.5-quart dish or separate the mixture into multiple pans. The choice is yours!
Freezing Options
This pork casserole is a great candidate for freezing, providing you with multiple meal options:
- Freeze & Thaw: Store the casserole in plastic containers, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then transfer it to an oven-safe dish for baking.
- Freeze & Bake: If you prefer to bake from frozen, use a freezer-friendly baking dish or aluminum pan. Add extra baking time, covering the dish until you can easily stir the casserole from the center out.
- Bake & Freeze: Bake the dish and freeze the leftovers for convenient microwaveable meals.
Baking Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the casserole covered for 20 minutes. Uncover it, give it a good stir, and return it to the oven for another 20-25 minutes until it’s bubbling hot and golden brown on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and your taste buds will be in for a treat.
More Freezer-Friendly Delights
If you’re a fan of make-ahead dinners, we have a collection of freezer-friendly casseroles waiting for you. Check out our favorites and discover new family-approved recipes that will simplify your meal planning.
Don’t forget to rate and comment on our recipes once you’ve given them a try. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your culinary creations. And make sure to follow us on Instagram @peanut.blossom for more delicious inspiration. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe
Here’s a quick recap of our saucy pork and noodle bake recipe:
- Leftover pork (about 2 cups)
- Wavy egg noodles
- Condensed chicken soup
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Canned Mexicorn (corn with diced peppers)
- Fresh onions (optional)
- Cut the cooked pork into bite-sized chunks.
- Cook the egg noodles for half the recommended time, then drain and rinse them with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken soup, Mexicorn, shredded cheddar, pork, and onions (if using). Stir until well combined.
- Add the noodles to the mixture and gently fold them in.
- Transfer the prepared casserole to a greased baking pan.
- Freeze, bake, or bake and freeze according to your preference.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the casserole covered for 20 minutes.
- Uncover, stir, and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Enjoy!
For more freezer-friendly dinner ideas and culinary inspiration, visit peanutblossom.com.