Pork Noodle Casserole Recipe

Ground pork: Provides a rich and savory base for the casserole.

Egg noodles: Adds a hearty and filling component to the dish.

Sour cream: Contributes a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding a cheesy goodness.

Cream of mushroom soup: Offers a savory and creamy element that binds the ingredients together.

Frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness to the casserole.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

When browning the ground pork, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors better. Additionally, to enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder while cooking the pork. This will add a subtle depth to the overall taste of the casserole.

• ground pork - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and has a similar texture and flavor profile.

• egg noodles - Substitute with whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat pasta offers more fiber and nutrients while maintaining a similar texture.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor with added protein.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the dish.

• cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup offers a similar creamy consistency and savory flavor.

• frozen peas - Substitute with frozen green beans: Green beans provide a similar texture and nutritional profile.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a depth of umami.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile that can add a unique twist.

• Allow the pork noodle casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the casserole to an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also use heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap to cover the baking dish tightly.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. The sour cream and cream of mushroom soup will keep the dish moist and flavorful.
• For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it securely with aluminum foil and then plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date and contents to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the egg noodles and ground pork.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If the casserole is in a freezer-safe baking dish, you can place it directly in the oven. If not, transfer it to an oven-safe dish.
• Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to allow the cheddar cheese to become bubbly and golden again.
• For a quicker option, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Enjoy your reheated pork noodle casserole with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover pork noodle casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through and the cheese is melted.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a crispy top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of milk or broth to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open to vent.
  4. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Continue heating in 1-minute increments until the casserole is hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover pork noodle casserole to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.
  5. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the casserole is thoroughly warmed.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 3-5 minutes if you want a crispy top.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Skillet: Essential for browning the ground pork over medium heat.

• Pot: Needed to cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions.

• Colander: Useful for draining the cooked egg noodles.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.

• Spatula: Handy for mixing the ingredients thoroughly in the mixing bowl.

• Baking dish: Used to transfer the mixed ingredients and bake them in the oven.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring out the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen peas.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper accurately.

• Knife: Helpful for opening the can of cream of mushroom soup.

• Can opener: Essential for opening the can of cream of mushroom soup easily.

Pre-cook and freeze: Cook the ground pork and egg noodles ahead of time, then freeze them. This way, you can just thaw and mix when ready to bake.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Opt for canned peas: Substitute frozen peas with canned peas to skip the thawing step.

One-pot method: Cook the ground pork and egg noodles in the same pot to reduce cleanup time.

Mix in the baking dish: Combine all ingredients directly in the baking dish to save on washing extra bowls.