If you’re craving something hearty, juicy, and brimming with rustic comfort, this recipe for Juicy Pork Loin Steaks with Creamy Mushroom Tomato Cheese Topping is about to become your new favorite. It’s a savory baked dish that layers marinated and seared pork loin steaks with a creamy mushroom and tomato mixture, topped generously with melted mozzarella. The pork is quickly seared to lock in its juices, then baked until tender under a blanket of flavorful filling and cheese. It’s a recipe that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal but is simple enough for a cozy weekend dinner at home.
Perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, rice, or a green salad, this recipe combines bold seasoning, fresh ingredients, and a bit of indulgence in the form of melted cheese. It’s a satisfying dish that is sure to impress your family or dinner guests.
Preparation Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Cuisine
European comfort food with Mediterranean influences
Ingredients
For the Pork Marinade:
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1.5 lb (700 g) pork loin
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4–5 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt
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Black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Filling:
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1½ cups mushrooms, sliced
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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½ cup (120 ml) 20% cream
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2–3 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
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1 bunch green onions, chopped
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1 cup shredded mozzarella (or your preferred cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Loin
Cut the pork loin into steaks about 2 cm thick. Cover them with cling film and use a meat mallet to pound the steaks until thin and even. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly and stay juicy inside.
Step 2: Marinate the Meat
In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush this marinade generously onto both sides of each pork steak. Let the meat sit in the marinade while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté over medium-high heat until they become golden brown. Season with salt and black pepper, then pour in the cream. Stir and let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Transfer the creamy mushrooms to a mixing bowl.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
To the mushroom mixture, add finely chopped tomatoes and chopped green onions. Add grated mozzarella cheese and stir well to combine everything into a rich, colorful filling.
Step 5: Sear the Pork
Using the same skillet (wipe it clean if necessary), sear the marinated pork steaks over high heat just until golden brown on both sides—about 1 minute per side. Do not fully cook the meat at this stage; it will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Arrange the seared pork steaks in the dish. Spoon the creamy vegetable filling generously over each steak and top with additional mozzarella.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and golden, and the pork is tender and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 490
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Protein: 40g
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Carbohydrates: 6g
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Fat: 33g
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Saturated Fat: 14g
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Sodium: 610mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 3g
Origin and Popularity
This dish draws on European-style pork recipes where meat is flattened, seared, and baked with creamy toppings. The Mediterranean flavors of olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning blend beautifully with hearty mushrooms and tomatoes. It’s a style of preparation often seen in Eastern European and Italian cuisines—simple ingredients layered for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about balance—tender meat, creamy richness, and fresh vegetable flavor all come together in every bite. It’s a complete dish that’s satisfying and indulgent without requiring complex steps or hard-to-find ingredients. The marinated pork ensures juicy results, and the topping brings creamy, cheesy goodness without being too heavy. It’s family-friendly, comforting, and dinner-party worthy.
Health Benefits
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High Protein Content: Pork loin is lean and packed with high-quality protein, aiding in muscle repair and satiety.
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Vegetable Rich: Tomatoes, mushrooms, and green onions provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
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Calcium Boost: Mozzarella cheese adds a dose of calcium for bone health.
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Healthy Fats: Olive oil brings heart-healthy monounsaturated fats into the mix.
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Low Carb: With only a few grams of carbs per serving, this dish is suitable for low-carb lifestyles.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, steamed rice, or a warm, crusty loaf of bread. For a lighter option, serve it with a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A side of green beans or asparagus adds vibrant color and texture to the plate. You could also pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or a light red such as Pinot Noir.
Cooking Tips
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Pound the pork evenly to prevent tough or uneven cooking.
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Let the steaks rest after baking so the juices redistribute for extra tenderness.
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Don’t skip the searing—it builds flavor and helps the pork stay juicy.
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Use a thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe eating.
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Use fresh mozzarella for extra meltiness and flavor depth.
Variations
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Cheese Options: Try provolone, gouda, or a smoky cheddar for a twist.
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Cream Alternatives: Use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier mushroom sauce.
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Add Herbs: Mix in fresh parsley or thyme to the filling for added aroma.
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Vegetarian Version: Swap pork with eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a meatless version.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.
Conclusion
This Juicy Pork Loin Steak Bake with Creamy Mushroom Tomato Cheese Topping is an absolute showstopper for a comforting, elegant meal that feels both homestyle and gourmet. The combination of marinated pork, seared perfection, and cheesy vegetable topping creates a bite that is juicy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again—whether for a family dinner, a special occasion, or a crave-worthy weekend treat.
FAQ
1. Can I use pork chops instead of pork loin?
Yes, just make sure to slice and pound them to even thickness.
2. What if I don’t have cream?
You can use whole milk thickened with a bit of flour, or substitute with sour cream.
3. Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything, assemble, and store in the fridge. Bake when ready to eat.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
5. Can I grill the pork instead of frying?
You can, but the high-heat sear from a skillet adds great flavor.
6. What other veggies can I use in the filling?
Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work well.
7. Can I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes or hot paprika to the marinade or filling.
8. How do I prevent the pork from drying out?
Don’t overcook it—sear briefly and finish baking until just done.
9. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes richer.
10. Is this recipe suitable for keto?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein and fat—just check your cream and cheese labels for added sugars.