There really isn't a more useful food item in the world than a casserole. Think of all the ways that casseroles are used:
- Office, church or club parties
- To stretch a meal out to feed more people
- Meals to make and freeze for serving later
- Easy one pot meals
- Potlucks
- Thoughtful gift for a family or friend going through a rough time
- Bereavement gatherings
- Backyard barbecues
Today I've decided to share one of my favorite casseroles with you:
Barbecued Pulled Pork Casserole
The main reason I like this casserole so much, other than the fact that it is so tasty, is that it is fairly uncommon. Most casseroles are made with hamburger or chicken, so barbecued pulled pork is a treat that most people do not expect. It is almost always one of the first dishes to be emptied at any gathering, I also like that when I make it for my family, if I have any leftovers, I can freeze them for a quick lunch or snack for later in the week.
It really is quite easy to make, I usually buy a pork tenderloin to cook and pull for the meat and buy the tater tots frozen. Throwing it together is a breeze and it's done in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of pulled pork mixed with barbecue sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray's)
- 8 ounces whipped cream cheese
- 1 can of corn (optional but I love it!)
- large bag of frozen tater tots
- barbecue seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
- Mix the barbecue pulled pork with the whipped cream cheese
- In a 9x13 glass baking dish cover the bottom with the pork mixture
- Dribble the ranch dressing over the pork
- Sprinkle the corn and one cup of the shredded cheese on top of the pork and corn
- Place a single layer of tater tots, spread apart, on top of the mixture and shake a little BBQ seasoning over them.
- Bake for 25 minutes and the tater tots are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the tater tots
- Put the casserole back in the oven for 10 minutes
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
I usually make a sauce of half barbecue sauce and half ranch to serve with this casserole. It's delicious dribbled on top!
This casserole is always a hit at summer parties. It stays delicious even after sitting out on a picnic table for a while. People dip into it expecting the same old hamburger and cheese tater tot casserole and are always delighted to see barbeque pulled pork instead! It's a delicious change from hamburgers and hot dogs.
This casserole is actually good any time of year and for any occasion. It's real, old fashion comfort food! It's wonderful in the wintertime, a nice hot meal on a chilly night. Also a tasty dinner in the spring, the barbecue sauce a nice reminder of the summer fun to come. Make it yourself just once, I bet it will not be the last time you do!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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