Are you left with an abundance of pulled pork and unsure how to make the most of it? Look no further! This scrumptious recipe for Leftover Pulled Pork Casserole is here to save the day. Transform your leftovers into a brand-new meal that will have the whole family begging for seconds.
Casseroles have become a go-to comfort food for many, especially when they are easy to prepare. Not only are they hearty and filling, but they also provide the perfect canvas for using up any leftovers. This particular casserole combines simple ingredients with delectable leftover pork to create a dish that is ideal for both busy weeknights and game days.
Key Takeaways
Discovering the Magic Ingredients
The star of this recipe is, of course, the leftover pulled pork. I highly recommend trying my slow cooker pulled pork recipe, which yields a healthier version using pork loin instead of fattier cuts like pork butt or shoulder. However, any leftover pulled pork will work wonderfully in this casserole, whether it be from an Instant Pot, smoker, or even takeout.
To infuse the casserole with incredible flavor, BBQ sauce plays a crucial role. While any brand of BBQ sauce will suffice, using a sugar-free option is a fantastic way to keep the calorie count in check. Personally, I adore G Hughes’ sweet and spicy flavor, but feel free to use your preferred BBQ sauce.
You will also need canned beans (kidney or black), canned corn, tomato sauce, bacon, light shredded mozzarella cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese to complete this delightful ensemble. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance—crispy tater tots! They add both texture and an explosion of flavor to the casserole, though you can substitute them with Fritos or tortilla chips if desired.
Crafting the Perfect Leftover Pulled Pork Casserole
To kickstart this mouthwatering casserole adventure, begin by baking the tater tots according to the package instructions. While they bake, you can simultaneously prepare our quick and easy baked beans. Simply drain and rinse a can of kidney or black beans, then add them to a saucepan. Mix in the tomato sauce, 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, and bacon. Cook the beans over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, for approximately 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the leftover shredded pork with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Spread the pulled pork evenly in an 8×8 or 7×9 casserole dish to form the base layer. Note that the baking dish used in the original recipe had a unique shape, but any small casserole dish will suffice.
Next, layer the corn on top of the pulled pork, followed by the baked beans and shredded cheese. Once the tater tots are done, artfully place them across the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
Reduce the oven heat to 375 degrees F and bake the casserole, uncovered, for 15 minutes to ensure everything is heated through. Finally, remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle some chopped green onion on top for added freshness, and savor this delightful creation.
If you find yourself with leftovers, it’s recommended to store the casserole without the tater tots. Separate the tater tots and store them in a separate container in the fridge. When reheating, you can then crisp up the tater tots separately in the oven or air fryer to maintain their delightful crunch.
Unleashing the Creative Possibilities
But wait, there’s more! If you’ve made a large batch of pulled pork, the fun doesn’t stop with this casserole. There are countless other delectable dishes you can whip up with your leftovers. Here are some tantalizing ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
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Leftover Pulled Pork Carnitas: Mix your leftover pulled pork with chili powder and seasonings to create a mouthwatering carnitas dish. Serve it in warm tortillas as tacos or burritos, or layer it over a bed of rice for mesmerizing burrito bowls.
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Pulled Pork Sliders: Take your leftover pulled pork on a journey to slider heaven. Top them with shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, red onion, and a dollop of BBQ sauce for an explosion of flavors.
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Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Elevate your sandwich game by serving your pulled pork on a toasted brioche bun. Top it off with pickles, BBQ sauce, and healthy coleslaw for a perfect blend of tanginess and crunch.
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Pulled Pork Burritos: Embrace the warm embrace of a tortilla as you roll it around your leftover pulled pork, corn, black beans, cheese, and any other fillings that tickle your taste buds. A filling and satisfying treat!
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Pulled Pork Tacos: Transport your palate to flavor town by serving your pulled pork in corn or flour tortillas. Top them with shredded lettuce, jalapenos, and salsa for a fiesta of flavors.
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Pulled Pork Pizza: Embark on a pizza night adventure by crafting a homemade pizza with pulled pork and a generous drizzle of BBQ sauce. A delightful twist to your typical pizza experience!
These are just a few of the many delectable recipes you can create using leftover pulled pork. Let your imagination run wild and explore the endless possibilities of pulled pork chili, pulled pork king ranch casserole, pulled pork mac, pulled pork enchiladas, and so much more.
So, don’t let your leftover pulled pork go to waste! Embark on a culinary adventure and transform it into a tantalizing casserole or any of the other scrumptious creations mentioned above. Get creative, indulge your taste buds, and savor the flavors of leftovers done right.
