Easy and Delicious Pork and Green Chili Casserole

Pork and Green Chili Casserole is a mouth-watering, hearty dish combining tender pork, spicy green chilies, and gooey cheese. While not traditionally Italian, it has become a beloved comfort food in many homes, blending diverse flavors into one irresistible casserole. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or an Italian cuisine enthusiast looking for something new, this recipe will surely delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious casserole:

• Pork Shoulder (2 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Green Chilies (8-10 fresh, or 2 cans of diced green chilies)
• Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
• Monterey Jack Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
• Onion (1 large, finely chopped)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
• Cumin (1 teaspoon)
• Oregano (1 teaspoon)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• Chicken Broth (2 cups)
• Corn Tortillas (10, cut into strips)
• Cilantro (for garnish)

Preparing the Pork

1. Brown the Pork:

• • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the pork pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Season:
  • Once browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
  • Season with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.

  Preparing the Green Chili Sauce

  1. Fresh Chilies:
  • If using fresh chilies, roast them over an open flame or in the oven until the skins are charred.
  • Place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam for 10 minutes.
  • Peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and chop the chilies finely.
  2. Combine Ingredients:
  • Add the chopped green chilies (fresh or canned) to the pork mixture.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

  Layering and Baking the Casserole

  1. Layer the Ingredients:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large baking dish, start with a layer of corn tortilla strips at the bottom.
  • Spoon half of the pork and green chili mixture over the tortillas.
  • Sprinkle a layer of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top.
  • Repeat with another layer of tortillas, the remaining pork mixture, and ending with a final layer of cheese.
  2. Bake:
  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and crispy on top.

  Serving Suggestions and Optional Additions

  • Garnish:
  • Top with fresh cilantro before serving.
  • Sides:
  • Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
  • Optional Additions:
  • Add black beans or corn for extra texture.
  • Top with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for added flavor.

  Conclusion

  There you have it—a delicious and satisfying Pork and Green Chili Casserole recipe perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your results with us! We’d love to see your creations and hear how you personalized the dish to make it your own. Happy cooking!