When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot like a juicy, tender piece of pork, perfectly baked with a blend of earthy mushrooms, savory onions, and melted cheese. This Oven-Baked Pork with Mushrooms and Cheese recipe offers a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for family gatherings, a cozy dinner at home, or even a special occasion. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It combines easy-to-find ingredients with minimal preparation, and the result is a mouthwatering meal that is bursting with flavor and texture.
The star of the show, of course, is the pork, which becomes incredibly tender when baked in the oven. The onions add sweetness and depth, while the mushrooms bring an earthy richness. Topped with a generous amount of cheese, this dish becomes a comforting masterpiece that’s sure to please any crowd. The best part? It’s all baked in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward yet impressive—making it an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire.
Why This Recipe is Timeless
This recipe takes traditional flavors and elevates them by combining them in a way that brings out the best in each ingredient. Pork is a versatile meat that pairs beautifully with both savory and slightly sweet additions, like onions and mushrooms. Baking it in the oven ensures that the pork remains juicy and tender while allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
What makes this dish even more timeless is its adaptability. While it’s delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Want a little more spice? Add some chili flakes. Looking for a tangy kick? A touch of mustard or balsamic vinegar can be added to the sauce. The inclusion of cheese at the end gives it a creamy, melty finish, creating a satisfying balance between the savory meat and the richness of the cheese.
This dish is also perfect for meal prepping or entertaining. It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Similarly, it works wonderfully for a larger gathering since it can be made in one baking dish, freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of the meal or entertain guests
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2-3 onions (medium-sized), sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork (preferably a tender cut like pork loin or pork shoulder)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking the pork)
- 1 onion (finely chopped for frying)
- 200 g (7 oz) mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 tsp salt (for seasoning)
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 70 g (2.5 oz) cheese (preferably a melting cheese like mozzarella or cheddar)
Preparation Time and Cooking Instructions
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories (per serving): Approximately 450 kcal
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork
- Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (360°F). While the oven is heating up, prepare the pork.
- Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts on the surface of the pork. This helps the seasoning penetrate the meat and allows it to cook more evenly.
- Season the pork generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or thyme, depending on your preference.
- In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork in the pan and sear it on all sides until golden brown. This step is important because it locks in the juices and enhances the flavor of the pork.
2. Prepare the Vegetables and Mushrooms
- While the pork is searing, peel and slice the onions. Set aside.
- Once the pork is seared, transfer it to a baking sheet and set it aside for a moment.
- In the same pan, add 1 chopped onion and sauté it over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt and some pepper to taste. Cook the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and stir everything together. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
3. Assemble the Dish
- Once the mushroom mixture is cooked, pour it over the seared pork on the baking sheet. Spread the mixture evenly over the meat, ensuring the pork is fully covered with the vegetables.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the pork will become perfectly tender.
4. Add the Cheese
- After 50 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the top of the dish with the 70 g of cheese (shredded mozzarella or cheddar work well).
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is golden and bubbly.
5. Serve
- Once the pork is fully cooked and the cheese is melted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before slicing the pork into portions.
- Serve the baked pork alongside the mushroom and vegetable mixture, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, if desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 45 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 7 g
FAQ:
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted to other meats, such as chicken or beef. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of meat used.
Q: What can I serve this dish with?
This oven-baked pork pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, you could also serve it with rice or pasta.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, simply bake the dish as instructed. If freezing, the pork and vegetable mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months, though fresh vegetables are always best for flavor and texture.
Q: Can I substitute the mushrooms?
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or don’t have any on hand, you can easily substitute them with other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Just be sure to sauté them before adding them to the pork.
Tips for Success:
- Sear the Pork: Don’t skip the searing step. It locks in the juices and adds a nice caramelized flavor to the meat, making it even more delicious.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms and onions really make a difference in the final flavor of this dish. Try to use the freshest ingredients you can find for the best result.
- Cheese Choices: The cheese is an important part of this dish, adding a creamy and flavorful finish. While mozzarella and cheddar are great options, you can also experiment with Gruyère, gouda, or a sharp Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the Seasoning: This recipe calls for basic seasoning, but feel free to add additional herbs and spices to your taste. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage would complement the pork beautifully.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover baked pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 180°C (360°F) until heated through.
Conclusion
This Oven-Baked Pork with Mushrooms and Cheese is a timeless recipe that combines rich flavors, tender meat, and the comforting qualities of a baked dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, it’s a dish that is sure to impress. With its combination of savory pork, earthy mushrooms, and melted cheese, this recipe offers something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the ease of preparation and minimal cleanup make it a winner for any occasion.
So next time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, look no further than this oven-baked delight. It’s the perfect way to showcase the flavors of pork and mushrooms, all while bringing a little extra warmth to your table.