When you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings together rich flavors, this Baked Carbonade with Mushroom-Tomato Topping and Creamy Cheesy Potatoes is the answer. Imagine tender, juicy pork carbonade baked until perfectly succulent, layered with a savory mushroom-tomato topping that adds depth and acidity, and paired with irresistibly creamy potatoes smothered in cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels luxurious without being overly complicated, making it ideal for Sunday dinners, special family gatherings, or even as a centerpiece for celebrations.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

For the Carbonade

• 800 g (1.7 lbs) pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into thick slices

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 large onion, finely sliced

For the Mushroom-Tomato Topping

• 300 g (10 oz) mushrooms, sliced

• 2 large tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Cheesy Potatoes

• 800 g (1.7 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream

• 200 ml (¾ cup) milk

• 150 g (1 ½ cups) grated mozzarella

• 50 g (½ cup) Parmesan or cheddar cheese

• 1 tablespoon butter

• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra grated cheese for topping

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Pork
   Season the pork slices with salt, pepper, paprika, and minced garlic. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the pork on both sides until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Cook the Mushroom-Tomato Topping
   In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté onions until soft and translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme or oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

3. Prepare the Creamy Potatoes
   Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Heat gently until warm but not boiling. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish. Pour over half of the cream mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella. Add the rest of the potatoes, top with the remaining cream mixture, and finish with Parmesan or cheddar.

4. Assemble the Dish
   In a separate baking dish, place the seared pork carbonade slices. Spoon the mushroom-tomato topping evenly over the pork. Sprinkle lightly with cheese if desired.

5. Bake
   Place both the pork dish and potato dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 40–45 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the potatoes are golden and bubbling.

6. Serve
   Let the dishes rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Plate a portion of pork carbonade with the mushroom-tomato topping alongside a generous scoop of creamy cheesy potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrients (per serving, 6 servings)

• Calories: ~480 kcal

• Protein: 28 g

• Carbohydrates: 22 g

• Fat: 32 g

• Saturated Fat: 14 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sodium: 600 mg

• Calcium: 180 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines everything people love about comfort food: tender meat, rich creamy potatoes, and a topping that balances earthy mushrooms with tangy tomatoes. The pork delivers hearty protein, the potatoes provide creamy indulgence, and the topping cuts through the richness with freshness. It’s a full meal in one plate, satisfying enough to stand on its own but versatile enough to pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Carbonade is a classic dish rooted in European cooking, especially in Belgium and France, where pork or beef is often braised slowly with onions, beer, or wine. This baked version borrows inspiration from that tradition but adds modern flair with the mushroom-tomato topping. The pairing with creamy cheesy potatoes brings in a gratin-style side, reminiscent of French Dauphinoise potatoes, creating a dish that blends tradition with creativity.

Ingredient Spotlight

When it comes to the stars of this dish, each ingredient plays a key role in building a comforting yet elevated flavor profile. The pork is the heart of the recipe, bringing its natural richness and versatility to the table. Pork shoulder works beautifully when you’re aiming for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and succulence, while pork loin makes a leaner alternative that still delivers on flavor without feeling heavy. Mushrooms join the scene with their earthy, meaty character, absorbing the acidity of the tomatoes while deepening the topping’s flavor with umami notes. The tomatoes themselves add a touch of brightness and tang, cutting through the creaminess and balancing out the richness of the pork and potatoes. Potatoes form the backbone of the side dish, transforming into a velvety, tender base once baked with cream. They’re comforting, filling, and the perfect partner to absorb all the flavors from the meat and sauce. Of course, the final touch comes from the cheese—mozzarella lends that gooey, stretchy melt we all crave, while Parmesan or cheddar steps in to give sharpness, nuttiness, and a little salty edge, rounding out the dish with depth and bold flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 170°C (340°F) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. For quicker reheating, microwave in short bursts, though the potatoes are best reheated in the oven to keep their texture. This dish also freezes well: freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Common Variations to Try

• Cheesy Carbonade: Add extra cheese to the pork topping for an even richer bake.

• Vegetable Additions: Layer zucchini, eggplant, or spinach into the mushroom-tomato topping for more nutrients.

• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the sauce for a bit of heat.

• Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half to cut calories.

• Beef Option: Substitute beef slices for pork to create a heartier twist.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish is rich, so pair it with something light and refreshing to balance the flavors. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted asparagus works perfectly. For drinks, a glass of dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy potatoes, while a medium-bodied red like Merlot enhances the pork. For a non-alcoholic pairing, sparkling water with lemon or apple cider is excellent.

Health Benefits

Though indulgent, this meal provides a good balance of nutrients. Pork offers high-quality protein and essential B vitamins. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and support immune health. Tomatoes bring vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Potatoes provide potassium and fiber, while cheese adds calcium for strong bones. Moderation is key, but enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, this dish offers both comfort and nourishment.

Conclusion

This Baked Carbonade with Mushroom-Tomato Topping and Creamy Cheesy Potatoes is the kind of dish that feels like home. It’s rustic, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—perfect for when you want to treat your family or impress guests with a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a cozy European kitchen. With its layers of flavors and textures, it’s not just food; it’s an experience on a plate.