Hearty Casserole with Bacon, Chicken, and Vegetables

This hearty casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a variety of vegetables, all baked together to create a meal that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering and is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for something to enjoy throughout the week, this casserole is versatile, easy to make, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cuisine: Comfort food, American

Ingredients

Here is a comprehensive list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make this casserole:

• Bacon: 250 g (8.8 oz), chopped

• Potatoes: 800 g (1.75 lbs), peeled and cubed

• Water: To boil potatoes

• Olive oil: 3 tbsp, divided

• Onion: 1 large, finely chopped

• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

• Mushrooms: 2 large, sliced

• Salt: To taste

• Black pepper: To taste

• Bell pepper: 1/2, diced

• Boneless chicken shank meat: 300 g (10.5 oz), diced

• Sweet paprika: 1 tsp

• Carrots: 2, peeled and diced

• Sweet corn: 1 can (200 g), drained

• Canned pineapple: 1/2 can (100 g), diced

• Olives: A handful, sliced

• Cooked pork: 100 g (3.5 oz), diced

• Mayonnaise: 2 tbsp

• Additional salt: To taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   Begin by peeling and cubing the potatoes. Place them in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.

2. Cook the Bacon
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it turns crispy and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside, keeping the rendered bacon fat in the pan for flavor.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
   In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them over medium heat until they become fragrant and the onion softens, about 3-4 minutes. Be sure to scrape up any bits of bacon from the pan to incorporate their flavor into the onions and garlic.

4. Cook the Mushrooms
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook them until they become golden and tender, around 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

5. Add the Vegetables
   Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the diced bell pepper and carrots. Season with salt and black pepper, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

6. Cook the Chicken
   Push the sautéed vegetables to the side of the pan and add another tablespoon of olive oil to the empty space. Add the diced chicken to the pan and season with salt, sweet paprika, and black pepper. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

7. Combine the Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, sautéed vegetables and chicken, crispy bacon, sweet corn, pineapple, and cooked pork. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

8. Prepare the Dressing
   In a small bowl, pour boiling water over the finely chopped small onion. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to blanch it, then drain and add the onion to the casserole mixture. Add the sliced olives and mayonnaise to the mixture. Stir everything together and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary.

9. Assemble and Bake
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Transfer the casserole mixture to a greased casserole dish and drizzle the remaining olive oil on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy. If you prefer a crunchier top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes.

10. Serve
    Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450

• Protein: 23 g

• Fat: 25 g

• Carbohydrates: 38 g

• Fiber: 5 g

• Sugar: 7 g

• Sodium: 700 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

This casserole, while not tied to a specific cultural origin, embodies the essence of American comfort food. Casseroles have long been a staple in home kitchens, often made with whatever ingredients are on hand. The use of potatoes, meat, and a creamy dressing (in this case, mayonnaise) is a hallmark of hearty American casseroles, offering both a satisfying meal and convenience. Over the years, variations of this casserole have become popular in many households, especially in the colder months when comfort food is most desirable.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a total cook time of under 1.5 hours, this casserole is perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.

• Flavor-packed: The combination of crispy bacon, savory chicken, sweet pineapple, and creamy mayonnaise creates an irresistible flavor profile.

• Versatile: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Family-friendly: This casserole is sure to please kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners.

Health Benefits

This casserole is not only delicious but also provides several health benefits, especially when you make some ingredient swaps.

• Protein-rich: With chicken, bacon, and pork as the main protein sources, this dish will help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

• Rich in vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and sweet corn offer a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, C, and fiber.

• Healthy fats: The olive oil used for cooking adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors beautifully. For a complete meal, serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Cooking Tips

• Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Just bake it the following day when you’re ready to serve.

• Customize the vegetables: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or bell peppers, feel free to swap them out for other vegetables like zucchini, peas, or spinach.

• For extra flavor: Try adding a handful of shredded cheese on top before baking for a cheesy, melty finish.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian option: Skip the meats and use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.

• Spicy kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the casserole for a bit of heat.

• Cheesy casserole: Add grated cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy casserole experience.

• Low-carb version: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carb alternative.

Conclusion

This hearty casserole is the perfect comfort food dish for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, sweet pineapple, and vegetables, all baked together with a creamy dressing, creates a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a special event, this casserole is sure to impress.

10 Comprehensive FAQ Section

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day for a quick and easy meal.

2. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
   Absolutely! You can use turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I freeze the casserole?
   Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding extra time.

4. How can I make the casserole spicier?
   Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

5. Can I use a different type of oil?
   Yes, you can use butter, avocado oil, or any other neutral oil, though olive oil adds a lovely flavor.

6. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
   Yes, fresh pineapple works just as well. Just make sure to dice it into small pieces.

7. What other vegetables can I add to the casserole?
   Feel free to experiment with vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or peas.

8. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
   Yes, you can substitute the meat with plant-based proteins like tempeh or tofu.

9. Can I add cheese to the casserole?
   Yes, adding cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan can make this casserole extra indulgent.

10. How do I store leftovers?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.