Slow-Baked Pork & Bean Casserole

🥘 Slow-Baked Pork & Bean Casserole
🛒 Ingredients
500 g pork (shoulder or belly, cut into chunks)
2 cups dried white beans (or 2 cans, drained & rinsed)
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 bay leaf
2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
2 tbsp olive oil
👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the beans (if using dried)
   Soak beans overnight in water
   Drain and rinse before cooking
2. Brown the pork
   Heat olive oil in a pan
   Sear pork chunks until golden on all sides
   Set aside
3. Build the base
   In the same pan, sauté onion until soft
   Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
   Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly
4. Assemble the casserole
   In a baking dish or Dutch oven, combine:
   Beans
   Pork
   Onion mixture
   Crushed tomatoes
   Broth
   Sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, bay leaf
5. Slow bake
   Cover and bake at 160°C (320°F) for 2.5–3 hours
   Stir once or twice during cooking
   Add a little water if it gets too thick
6. Final touch
   Remove lid for last 20–30 minutes to thicken and caramelize the top
   😋 Tips
   Even better the next day—flavors deepen overnight
   Add carrots or bell peppers for extra veggies
   A pinch of chili flakes gives it a gentle kick