Cast Iron Cuban Pork Casserole (Low Carb)

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This Cast Iron Cuban Pork Casserole is an easy one-pan variation on the classic Cuban sandwich recipe! Packed with shredded roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles, it’s a low-carb, gluten-free crowd pleaser exploding with flavor and cheesy goodness. This Cuban roast pork recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss.

A cast Iron skillet recipe with ham, Swiss cheese, pulled port, mustard and pickles.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
What is a Cuban Sandwich?
Ingredients for this Cuban Roast Pork Recipe
How to Make Cuban Pork Casserole
Storing, Reheating and Freezing
Frequently Asked Questions
More Delicious Low-Carb Casseroles:
Cast Iron Cuban Pork Casserole (Low Carb) Recipe

So my girlfriend turned me on to Cuban sandwiches a few years ago. She had lived in the south for many years, and it was a staple in their house.

All I can say is, why didn’t someone share this deliciousness with me sooner!?? I could have been enjoying those cheesy, savory pork-filled sandwiches back in my prime years when my body metabolized food (instead of storing every calorie on my hips). Lol

Cuban pork recipe in a cast iron skillet.

But you know me… I will find a way to eat that Cuban yumminess, and I will make it low-carb so I can enjoy it without any guilt or extra pounds.

And that brings us to our yummy dinner recipe today… the low-carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free Cast Iron Cuban Pulled Pork Skillet!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly & Gluten-Free: Enjoy the flavors of a Cuban sandwich without the carbs or the gluten.
One-Pan Meal: So convenient, fewer dishes = less cleanup!
Quick & Easy: This Cuban recipe is ready in under 30 minutes when you purchase precooked pulled pork from your grocery store. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: Combines savory meats, tangy pickles, and melted Swiss cheese for a mouthwatering meal.
Super Versatile: Scoop it up and serve it as a warm dip with veggies or low-carb chips—or go old-school and pile it high on Cuban bread if you’re not counting carbs.

And if you love Cuban recipes and aren't carb advese try these tasty Hot Cheesy Cuban Rollups!

A close-up photo of a cast iron skillet with cuban casserole.

So some of you may be like me... You may not even know about the Cuban Sandwich, or as some refer to it, the "Cubano".

Allow me to share my knowledge on the topic with you…

What is a Cuban Sandwich?

The Cuban sandwich, which is sometimes referred to as a Cubano, is a variation of a ham and cheese sandwich that likely originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Tampa or Key West. Both were early Cuban immigrant communities in Florida that centered around the cigar industry. Later on, Cuban immigrants also brought it to Miami, where it is still very popular.

The sandwich is made with sliced ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban Bread, then compressed in a sandwich press. Salami is included in Tampa, where there is a large Italian population, but it is not usually included in South Florida.

For our recipe today, we’re using Cuban sandwich ingredients sans the bread. So you’ve got your pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and pickles.

What’s not to love – right!??

Meat, cheese, pickles – HELLO!

This low-carb meal comes together pretty easily. Although, you will need to cook a pork butt or pork shoulder ahead of time, or purchase packaged pre-cooked pulled pork from your grocery store. You'll normally find them in the prepared food area where you get your roaster chickens or where they offer precooked meat dishes like this...

I have several methods for cooking pulled pork on the blog. You could make a large roast and then use it for several different meals like carnitas, bbq pulled pork sandwiches, and so much more.

Just to make sure you have lots of options, here are three different recipes and methods for cooking a pork shoulder at home: slow cooker pulled pork shoulder, instant pot pulled pork, or oven roasted pulled pork!

Ingredients for this Cuban Roast Pork Recipe

Pulled Pork: Provides a rich, savory base.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the meats and pickles.
Chopped Dill Pickles: Introduce a tangy crunch that balances the richness.
Ham (sliced or cubed): Adds a salty, smoky flavor.
Swiss Cheese (slices): Melts beautifully, adding creaminess.
Sliced Dill Pickles: Additional pickles for topping the casserole, enhancing the tangy flavor.

Cuban pulled pork recipe in a cast iron pan with pickles, ham, Swiss cheese, and Djon mustard.

How to Make Cuban Pork Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375.

Shred pork into bite-sized pieces and simmer in a cast iron skillet with cream cheese, and Dijon mustard.

Cast Iron Cubans Skillet recipe - with pulled pork, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and pickles.

Once the cream cheese has melted and mixed in with the pork, layer on the chopped pickles.

Top that off with ham (use low-sodium ham if you can)...

Adding Swiss cheese to the Cuban pulled pork casserole.

... then Swiss cheese...

Cuban pulled pork recipe - adding Swiss cheese and pickles.

... and more pickles.

Bake for about 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.

That’s it. So easy and ridiculously delicious.

I can’t wait for you to experience this cheesy protein-packed yummy meal!

Cuban pork roast recipe in a cast iron skillet.

Storing, Reheating and Freezing

How to Store It

Refrigerate: Store lthe cast iron skillet eftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat It

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the skillet with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until hot.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes! This dish freezes well. Ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Cuban roast pork recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it's naturally gluten-free.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble Cuban roast pork, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives.

So there you have it... the amazing Cuban roast pork recipe- just ditch the bread and enjoy this delicious, low-carb one-pan meal.

This cast iron skillet is cheesy, tangy, meaty magic in a pan. Whether you're keto, gluten-free, or just down for a quick and flavorful dinner, this cheesy, protein-packed meal will hit the spot!

More Delicious Low-Carb Casseroles:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you’ve made this Cast Iron Cuban Pork Casserole, tap the stars below to leave a rating and let us know how it turned out in the comments!

Yield: 10 Servings