This Cuban Casserole is full of flavorful pork baked in a creamy sauce and topped with tangy cheese and tart pickles. All the flavors of a classic Cuban sandwich in an easy to make casserole that is ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight.
Cuban Casserole Recipe
Enjoy all the mouth-watering flavors of a Cubano sandwich in this easy-to-make Cuban casserole recipe!
Packed with savory shredded pork, tender ham, a tangy cream sauce, and tart pickles.
Not only is it delicious and satisfying, whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights. It’s also a great way to use up leftover pulled pork.
Cuban dishes are irresistible in my opinion. Check out these Cuban Totchos and this pull apart sandwich for tailgating.
This is one of those delicious recipes for skillet dinners that you won’t be able to resist!
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Ingredients Needed
- Pulled pork – I like to use cooked pulled pork or carnitas made from a pork shoulder or pork butt.
- If you buy prepared from the store, drain off the excess sauce.
- Sliced ham – Use deli ham or leftover cooked ham and dice or slice it.
- Swiss cheese – This give it the traditional flavor. Substitute Monterey Jack if desired.
- Cream – Use heavy whipping cream for best flavor.
- Mustard – Classic yellow mustard is best. Substitute Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard if desired.
- Pickles – Regular dill pickles or hamburger chips are best.
- Cream cheese – Use full fat for best flavor.
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What pickles do I use?
Dill pickles are the best because you want that tangy flavor. I don’t recommend using relish as it has too much liquid and the pickles are soft.
You really want the texture of the pickle to shine.
How to Make Keto Cuban Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375 F. In a large oven safe skillet over medium-high heat, combine the whipping cream, cream cheese, and mustard.
- Stir and heat until a “sauce” is formed or the cream cheese is melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add in the pulled pork, diced ham, half the pickles, and half the cheese. Stir to combine. Top with remaining Swiss cheese and pickle slices.
- Bake in a 375 degree oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and garnish with more pickles if desired.
For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.
Serving Suggestions
This is a delicious and hearty dish that can be served on its own or with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few options:
- Rice – A traditional side dish for a bunch of Cuban dishes. Serve basic white cooked rice or try yellow rice for a pop of color.
- Beans – Another classic side dish in Cuban cooking. I prefer seasoned black beans which you can make homemade or buy them already seasoned in the can.
- Plantains – Fried plantains are great for side for this one. Serve them large or make crispy tostones.
- Salad – You can’t go wrong with a crunchy salad with your favorite toppings. Use a tangy dressing to cut through the richness of the casserole.
- Toppings – Try some diced avocado, sliced tomato, or some pickled red onions on top to add some more flavor and texture to the dish.
- Cuban Bread – Toasted bread is great since this casserole is like a Cuban sandwich but without the bread. Serve it toasted or add some butter and spices to it.
How long does it last?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you make this in a cast iron skillet, I would transfer to another dish and cover with plastic wrap.
Reheat in the oven at 350F in an oven safe dish until heated through. You might want to remove the pickles on top and replace with fresh ones if they get dried out.
You can also microwave individual portions in 30 second intervals until heated through.
Can you freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the casserole to cool completely after baking and transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container.
You can freeze it for up to 3 months so be sure to label the container.
When ready to eat the frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Add a tablespoon of water or broth if it seems dry.
What is a classic Cuban sandwich made of?
A Cuban sandwich, also known as a Cubano, is a popular sandwich made with roasted or smoked pork, thinly sliced ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and yellow mustard. It’s all layered between slices of Cuban bread.
Once stacked, the sandwich is then pressed on a hot grill to give it a distinctive flat shape and warm, melted filling.
Some recipes toast the bread before stacking the sandwich for even more flavor. It kind of reminds me of a fancy hot dog casserole! What about you?
Where does the Cuban sandwich come from?
Rumored to have come from Cuban workers and immigrant communities in the Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa, Florida in the late 1800s. With a lot of cigars being made there, the cigar factory workers ate them for an easy and portable lunch.
The Cuban sandwiches gained popularity in the local area and eventually spread nationwide.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Soften the cream cheese for better mixing.
- Don’t want to use a skillet? Make the sauce in a large saute pan and then transfer everything to an oven safe casserole dish or Dutch oven for baking.
- Want more veggies? Add diced red bell pepper or green peppers to the casserole. I would cook them prior to adding because they can release extra water.
- When thawing any frozen portions, the pork and ham may let out additional water. You might need to drain off excess before heating.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, pin this to your favorite casserole Pinterest board and share it on your favorite social media channels!
Packed with juicy pulled pork, a zesty mustard cream sauce, and dill pickles, Cuban Sandwich Casserole is perfect to satisfy your cravings for a classic Cuban sandwich. And it’s gluten free, keto friendly, low-carb meal the whole family!
Cuban Casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups prepared pulled pork not with sauce or carnitas
- 8 ounces sliced ham cut into small pieces
- 2 cups shredded swiss cheese shredded yourself for better melting
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 1 cup sliced dill pickles
- Additional pickles for garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 F.
- In a large oven safe skillet (I use a large cast iron skillet -12 inches) over medium heat, combine the whipping cream, cream cheese, and mustard. Stir and heat until a “sauce” is formed or the cream cheese is melted.
- Add in the pulled pork, diced ham, half the pickles, and half the cheese.
- Stir to combine.
- Top with remaining Swiss cheese and pickles.
- Bake at 400F for 20 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with more pickles if desired.
Notes
- Soften the cream cheese for better mixing.
- Don’t want to use a skillet? Make the sauce in a large saute pan and then transfer everything to an oven safe casserole dish or Dutch oven for baking.
- Want more veggies? Add diced red bell pepper or green peppers to the casserole. I would cook them prior to adding because they can release extra water.
- When thawing any frozen portions, the pork and ham may let out additional water. You might need to drain off excess before heating.
Nutrition
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Jules
Wednesday 8th of March 2023
We love a good Cubano so I was so excited to try this recipe. I absolutely loved it! It makes a great dinner for the family or for entertaining!