Ingredients

For the Pork and Sauce

• Pork neck: 600 g
• Paprika: 1 tsp (for seasoning)
• Tomato puree: 300 g
• Red onion: 1, thinly sliced
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Mayonnaise: 2-3 tbsp
• Cheese (grated): 200 g
• Coriander: 1 tbsp, chopped
• Green onion: 2 tbsp, chopped

For the Mashed Potatoes

• Potatoes: 5-6 medium-sized
• Butter: 2 tbsp
• Milk: 100 ml
• Salt: to taste
• Black pepper: to taste

Steps How to Do It

1. Prepare the Pork

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
2. Season the pork neck with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Massage the spices into the meat for even seasoning.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork neck on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

2. Make the Tomato Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the sliced red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar, if desired, to balance the acidity.

3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Peel and chop the potatoes into equal-sized chunks. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper, then mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Assemble the Dish

1. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish.
2. Place the seared pork neck on top of the mashed potatoes.
3. Pour the tomato sauce over the pork, ensuring it is well-covered.
4. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the tomato sauce for added creaminess.
5. Sprinkle grated cheese generously over the entire dish.

5. Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped coriander and green onions for a fresh touch.

6. Serve

Slice the pork and serve it alongside the cheesy mashed potatoes. Enjoy it hot for the best flavor and texture.

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cooking Time

35 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 5 minutes

Servings

6 servings

Calories (Kcal)

Approximately 520 kcal per serving

Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless

This dish is timeless because it takes classic, universally loved ingredients—pork, potatoes, cheese, and tomato—and transforms them into a hearty, comforting meal. The combination of flavors is rich yet balanced, with the tangy tomato sauce cutting through the creaminess of the cheese and mashed potatoes.

What makes this recipe so enduring is its adaptability. You can tweak it to fit dietary preferences or available ingredients while still delivering the same comforting experience. Additionally, it’s a dish that brings people together. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering of friends, Cheesy Baked Pork with Mashed Potatoes and Tomato Sauce is a meal that fosters connection and creates lasting memories.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugars: 6 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Potassium: 900 mg

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, you can use pork shoulder or loin, but keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary. Pork neck is ideal for its balance of fat and tenderness.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the components separately and assemble the dish just before baking. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.

3. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both work wonderfully. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère for a more sophisticated flavor.

4. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the baking dish for a complete one-pan meal.

Tips How to Make

• Sear the Pork Well: Searing locks in the juices and enhances the flavor of the pork. Don’t skip this step for a deeply savory dish.
• Season in Layers: Make sure to season each component separately—pork, mashed potatoes, and sauce—to build a well-rounded flavor.
• Use High-Quality Cheese: A good-quality cheese will melt better and add richer flavor.
• Adjust the Sauce’s Sweetness: If your tomato puree is too tangy, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled dish (before baking) for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Pork with Mashed Potatoes and Tomato Sauce is the kind of dish that warms both the stomach and the soul. Its rich layers of flavor, from the tender pork and creamy mashed potatoes to the tangy tomato sauce and bubbly cheese, make it a true crowd-pleaser. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

This recipe embodies the best of hearty home cooking, offering a meal that’s both satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Its timeless combination of ingredients and flavors makes it a staple in any recipe collection. With each bite, you’ll be reminded of the comforting power of a well-made, home-cooked meal.