If you’re looking for easy, budget-friendly ground pork meals that your family will ask for again and again, you’re in the right place! This post is filled with quick skillet dinners, comfort food classics, slow cooker favorites, and versatile meals perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Why you'll like these ground pork recipes
Ground meat is one of my go-tos when life gets busy and my creativity is waning. So like, all the time.
That's why I love making recipes using ground pork for dinner. It's lean, healthy and protein packed. According to the National Pork Board, today’s pork has about 16% less fat and 27% less saturated fat as compared to 30 years ago.
This is not the same pork my grandparents raised. It's better!
Plus, it can be transformed to just about any flavor profile you want! From Asian influenced meatballs and egg roll in a bowl, to dishes with an Italian flair, there's something for everyone in these easy ground pork recipes!
Tip: Most ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken recipes can be converted to use ground pork!
FAQS
Cook ground pork to an internal temperature of 160° F or according to label directions.
Ground pork and ground sausage are kinda like pork siblings; similar but not the same. Ground sausage is spiced up with a bunch of herbs and flavors to give a special kick to breakfast dishes or stuffing. Ground pork is like the chill, plain version that can rock any dish.
Ginger, garlic, onion, paprika, fennel, soy sauce and simple herbs all work well with ground pork.
Easy Ground Pork Recipes for Weeknight Dinners
These recipes are easy to make and delicious too. Let's dive in!
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If you want a quick dinner option, this pork stir fry recipe is one of our favorite fast weeknight meals.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Pork
If you don't use ground pork often, don't worry - it's easier than you might think. Ground pork tends to be a little richer than ground beef and benefits from seasonings like garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Because it has a slightly higher fat content, it stays juicy and flavorful in things like meatballs, burger patties and skillet meals.
When you're cooking ground pork, cook it to an internal temperature of 160°F. Depending on the recipe and actual fat content, you may or may not need to drain the fat. Leaving a little fat behind gives extra flavor to sauces and other dishes.
Can I substitute ground pork in other recipes?
You can and you should! Ground pork can almost always replace ground pork or ground turkey in recipes. It works especially well in casseroles, stir fry, meatballs and pasta dishes.
If you're substituting ground pork for a leaner meat, you may not need to add as much oil during cooking.
The bottom line here is this: if you're looking to mix things up in the kitchen and you've been overlooking ground pork at the grocery store, you're missing out (in my humble opinion). I hope these easy ground pork recipes give you some options for variety and flavor in your weeknight routine.
Made with love,
Deanne
Carlee says
These all look so good. We have a freezer full of ground pork, so I can't wait to try these recipes out.