Pork is the most consumed meat around the world and it’s popular in many cultural cuisines. It was a standard protein on my family table as I was growing up in the Midwest. And I still frequently choose pork to feed my family nutritious, filling, and delicious home-cooked recipes. These are the favorite pork recipes I turn to again and again.
Meal Prep Breakfast Burritos
These make-ahead breakfast burritos are the perfect solution for my busy mornings. I prep a batch to keep on hand in the freezer for an easy, nutritious, delicious, and high-protein breakfast option that reheats nicely. I can enjoy one as I’m doing the drop-off rounds to my kids’ school and preschool.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free Option | High Protein | Nut Free
Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor
Al pastor pork is shredded meat that’s ultra flavorful, providing sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy notes in every bite. Jess serves the meat to make tacos al pastor or also uses the flavorful shredded pork to layer over rice bowls, salads, or stuff inside burritos. It’s good any way it’s served!
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo
Crockpot Apple Cider Pork Bowls
Ana created this recipe so she could enjoy a satisfying, colorful, and cozy dinner that perfectly captures flavors of fall. While the pork is cooking in the crockpot, she prepares the mashed sweet potatoes and apple slaw. This recipe provides plenty of servings for her hungry eaters or enough leftovers for easy lunches.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
My Easy Crock Pot Pork Roast
I’ve made this pork roast recipe at least 20 times, and I know it’s a failproof method that always satisfies, especially in cold winter months or when I need a no-fuss recipe that makes plenty of leftovers for weekly meal prep. The tender shredded pork and veggies are so good topped with the built-in gravy sauce.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Apricot Basil Breakfast Meatballs
Always one to include plenty of protein with her breakfasts, Molly loves these breakfast meatballs as a quick and easy, high-protein, nutrient-dense option for breakfast. These sweet and savory meatballs are naturally gluten-free, grain-free, egg-free, and dairy-free. Plus they store, freeze, and reheat well, making them great for meal prep.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Easy Ham And Bean Soup
Jessie developed this recipe based on a soup she loved to eat growing up. This delicious stovetop soup is a perfect combination of creamy white beans, flavorful ham, veggies, and everyday seasonings. It can be made with canned or dry beans and is a great use for leftover ham. Jessie always adds a leftover ham bone to the pot when she has one!
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Crockpot Pulled Pork Bowls
Jess says this recipe is inspired by pulled pork sandwiches and a typical summer picnic spread, but it can be enjoyed any time of the year. Tender pulled pork sits atop cooked rice and is served with a tangy, bright slaw, pickles, and BBQ sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal all in one bowl. One of her most popular pork dinners, this crockpot braised pork is so satisfying.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin
I say dinner doesn’t get easier than this flavorful roasted pork-and-veggie dinner that cooks all on one sheet pan. The simple method requires no marinade and no need to sear the meat first. It calls for everyday pantry spices, potatoes, asparagus, and a 2-ingredient creamy mustard dipping sauce.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Crockpot Pork And Sauerkraut
Being of German heritage, Jessie says a recipe like this Pork and Sauerkraut is something she’d often see on holiday tables and at family gatherings growing up. In fact, in Germany, eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day is a common tradition believed to bring good luck. This simple crockpot method turns out the most tender and juicy pork that gets infused with tangy, briny, balanced flavors from the kraut, onion, and apple.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Eggs Benedict Casserole
I love ordering eggs benedict at restaurants, but was always intimidated to make Hollandaise sauce at home. That’s no longer true with this easy recipe for a casserole version of eggs benedict made with tender slices of Canadian bacon. Now I can enjoy the iconic flavors of a classic brunch, but with a fraction of the work.
Gluten Free Option | High Protein | Nut Free
Sweet Potato Hash with Sausage
This sweet potato hash with sausage has everything I need to kick off my morning on a healthy note. It’s a hearty dish with quality protein, plenty of veggies, and fiber to keep me satisfied all morning long. I top a serving with a fried egg and look forward to the leftovers the next day.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Paleo | Whole30
Biscuits And Gravy Casserole
Jessie loves biscuits and gravy, so this casserole version of her favorite breakfast is what she dishes up for overnight guests and special mornings. The best cozy, comforting casserole makes a beautiful presentation with cheesy flakey biscuits that cook right on top of a delicious homemade sausage gravy with veggies built right in.
Egg Free | High Protein | Nut Free
The Best Smothered Pork Chops
This is probably our most popular pork recipe of all time. Jessie nailed it with this pan-fried recipe when she created a simple and fail-proof method that turns out the most tender, juicy pork chops that are smothered in a rich and creamy onion gravy. It all cooks right on the stovetop in one pan.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Banh Mi Rice Bowls
This bowl-style take on the traditional Banh Mi sandwich incorporates all of those savory-sweet, crispy-tender flavors and textures Jess loves. She developed this recipe for cooking the pork in the slow cooker, which makes this one so easy and results in fall-apart tender pork pieces.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Smoked Pork Butt
There’s nothing quite like the smell of making smoked pork, which gets infused with deep layers of smokey BBQ flavors. Jess’ ultimate smoked butt pork recipe is bursting with great flavor and is so easy to make with her photo tutorial. Enjoy this tried-and-tested recipe that’s become a backyard cooking favorite in her home.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Whole30
One-Pan Orange Pork Stir-Fry
Stir-fry is one of my go-to methods to serve my family dinners that are high in protein and have plenty of veggies. Sweet, savory, and tangy, this chicken stir fry is an easy option with a quick cook time. It’s faster and more budget friendly than takeout. A family favorite in my home, it’s easy to customize and one of my favorite meal prep ideas.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Molly often serves this dish for her Sunday family gatherings, since it’s a simple and fast method to make a delicious main-dish casserole or loaded cheesy scalloped potatoes side dish. There’s no need to peel, slice, and layer potatoes when she uses frozen shredded hash browns. Includes modifications to make gluten free or dairy free.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Jessie loves this high-protein high-fiber tater tot casserole, so she had the idea to make a similar casserole, but with breakfast ingredients. She created a well-rounded and nourishing breakfast recipe featuring breakfast sausage, veggies, bacon, eggs, cheese, and tater tots. She also included a make-ahead option so all that’s required is to pop the prepared casserole into the oven in the morning.
Gluten Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Ham And Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Ana makes this breakfast casserole so often to feed her family. It’s a make-ahead friendly breakfast casserole that features ham and cheese built into a pancake-like base layer. She says it’s like a marriage between a baked pancake and an omelette, and it’s so dreamy good for breakfast, brunch, and meal preps, too!
Gluten Free Option | High Protein | Nut Free
Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
Jess loves fall’s in-season ingredients, including all types of hearty winter squash. That was her inspiration for this healthful and flavorful fall dinner that comes in a beautiful presentation and edible bowl. This stuffed squash recipe features a home pork-and-veggie filling that you’ll want to devour before you even stuff it into the squash halves. Perfect for weeknight dinners, dinner parties, and easy high-protein meals with lots of veggies.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein
Slow Cooker Carnitas
This better-than-Chipotle carnitas recipe might be the easiest solution to taco night yet. I appreciate that it takes me just 10 minutes of prep and has a low and slow, hands-off cook time. It’s perfect for Mexican-style pork tacos or burrito bowls or even stuffed into a baked sweet potato.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Grilled Pork Loin
Jessie says this is a fail-proof method for making the most tender and delicious grilled pork loin. Her recipe includes a simple and flavorful dry rub made from everyday pantry spices and provides a sweet and smoky weeknight meal that’s juicy and tender on the inside with slightly crispy pork edges. It’s her go-to recipe for grilled pork loin that tastes flavorful and juicy!
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo
Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Pork Chops with Veggies
This one-pan pork chops recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It includes delicious oven-baked pork chops plus two veggies sides and a simple honey-mustard sauce that I drizzle over everything. It’s so good that my husband says he wants to lick the plate – and he does!
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo
Harvest Italian Soup with Sausage
Similar to Italian wedding soup, but without the meatballs, this warming soup features hearty fall vegetables and sweet Italian sausage for a warm and satisfying meal. Garnish bowls with shaved Parmesan and serve sourdough bread on the side for dipping. I sometimes double this recipe so there’s plenty of leftovers to enjoy in the days to come or to stock in my freezer.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30
Instant Pot Baby Back Pork Ribs
Jess created this recipe because she loves the taste of BBQ baby back ribs but doesn’t love how long it takes to cook them. This simple recipe for tender pork ribs made in the Instant Pot takes less than one hour (start to finish), making it easy for her to enjoy delicious ribs when time is not on her side. She starts with a simple homemade spice rub made from chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and other everyday seasonings.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Grilled Honey Garlic Pork Chops
Made with just 10 ingredients, these grilled pork chops are always easy, juicy, tender, and delicious. Add my popular honey mustard sauce to take this recipe to the next level. Perfect for grilling season and easy weeknight dinners.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa
Knowing it’s one of the leanest cuts of pork, Jess often cooks with pork tenderloin. Here, she makes it as a grilled pork recipe that cooks up tender and juicy in just 25 minutes. She pairs the perfectly done pork slices with her pineapple salsa for a fresh and satisfying meal any night of the week.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Sausage Egg Bake
This is my go-to casserole for holiday mornings, like Christmas and Easter. I love that this breakfast casserole is customizable and incredibly delicious every time. It also enjoy the leftovers for easy-to-reheat lunches. It’s a great recipe to serve guests because it can be easily modified to be dairy-free and Whole30 compatible, if needed.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
5-Ingredient Baked Ziti
Molly says this simple Italian comfort casserole really is the perfect meal when she needs something easy, healthy, and homemade that everyone in her household will love. She can easily customize it by using gluten-free pasta and adding some chopped veggies to this baked pasta dish.
Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Crockpot Pulled Pork with Honey-Mustard BBQ Sauce
This is Jess’ famous never-fail pulled pork recipe that has been loved by hundreds. In this recipe, tender shredded pork gets a generous drizzle of sweet-tangy honey mustard BBQ sauce for the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that she knows her entire family will love.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Kielbasa and Vegetables
When I need a well-rounded, satisfying meal to feed by family in less than 30 minutes, this sheet pan dinner is at the top of my list. I appreciate that it’s made all on one pan so I hardly have any clean-up afterwards. It also includes every food group I look for when feeding my family a dinner with unbeatable flavor and convenience.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Grain Free
Oven-Baked Pork Chops with Delicata Squash
Jessie says delicata squash is her favorite of the winter squash, which is why she incorporated it into this easy fall dinner recipe. This healthy well-rounded meal is made all on one sheet pan. An easy spice rub coats juicy pork chops, sweet delicata squash, and smoky poblano pepper. Jessie gets it in the oven in 15 minutes for a nutritious and delicious dinner that’s fast.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Grilled Pork Kebabs with Peanut Sauce
Pork might not be the first protein thought of when making kebabs, but Jess says it should be! She created this recipe where tender chunks of pork chop get marinated in a peanut sauce that also doubles as a finishing sauce. She strands the pork pieces onto skewers with veggies and pops them on the grill for a few minutes for a high protein dinner that’s so flavorful.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein
Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
Featuring chunks of potato and ham together in a creamy base, this hearty soup takes the chill off. Made without cream, this soup relies on potatoes for its thick and creamy texture. Carrots and kale add to the overall nutrition and great flavor.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30
Savory Ham and Cheese Muffins
I prep these savory muffins as a quick make-ahead breakfast and also to add to my kids lunch boxes and for after-school snacks. These easy muffins are loaded with chunks of diced ham, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet corn kernels, fresh herbs, and shredded zucchini. I like to serve them warm with a drizzle of honey or a slather of butter.
Gluten Free | Nut Free
Sausage Hash Brown Egg Muffins
These are the first (of many) egg muffin recipes I’ve created, and they’re still a favorite. These egg muffins are an easy, prep-friendly, breakfast option that’s protein and veggie-packed with a simple sauté of onions and peppers. They’re a satisfying and simply reheat-and-eat breakfast that I often appreciate on busy mornings.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Sheet Pan Kielbasa Cabbage and Potatoes
Jess created this simple sheet pan recipe at the request of her husband, who loves a good meat-and-potatoes meal. The potatoes get perfectly roasted and taste great alongside the slightly sweet, crispy-on-the-edges purple cabbage. She nestles pieces of pork kielbasa among them and serves it all with whole grain mustard on the side.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Butternut Squash and Apple Hash with Sausage
When I start the day with the veggie and sausage hash, I know I’m getting a satisfying, veggie-filled, and delicious breakfast. Not one for sweet breakfasts, this savory recipe is right up my alley. I top a serving with a fried egg, then I happily package up the leftovers for easy-reheat breakfasts for days to come.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
These sweet and sour meatballs do double-duty as both a weeknight dinner or a hearty party appetizer. When making them for entertaining, I prep them up to three days in advance and then reheat them in a slow cooker set on low before switching them to the ‘keep warm’ setting. For dinners, I serve them alongside air fryer green beans and mashed potatoes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30
One-Pan Pork Loin with Brussels and Apples
Jess was right when she told me that apples are a natural flavor match for a pork tenderloin recipe. She created this simple sheet pan recipe to feature lean pork tenderloin that gets coated with an easy maple-mustard sauce. It roasts together on a baking pan with veggies and diced apple for a complete meal that’s full of complementary flavors.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps
Jessie says these lettuce wraps remind her of the famous P.F. Chang’s lettuce wraps, with all that sweet-savory flavor and fragrant ingredients. She uses ground pork to make a simple and fast lunch or light dinner that her kids love to assemble right at the table.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Breakfast Pizza with Hash Brown Crust
I was brainstorming ways to create a gluten-free veggie-rich breakfast pizza, and then it hit me that hashbrowns would make a delicious crust. I’m so pleased with how this innovative breakfast turned out. I top it with scrambled eggs, ham, cheese, and green onions for a simple oven-baked breakfast that is as fun to serve as it is to eat.
Gluten Free | Grain Free | High Protein | Nut Free
One-Pan Kielbasa Veggie Bake with Potatoes
Pork kielbasa is an easy-to-use, budget-friendly protein that I incorporate into recipes often. It’s a flavorful ingredient that adds so much depth to this simple veggie-and-meat sheet pan dinner. Paired with garlic and thyme, this simple one-pan recipe comes together fast for a simple supper.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Seasoned with everyday simple spices, like paprika and garlic powder (but no brown sugar or panko), these air fryer pork chops are flavorful, juicy, tender, and so easy to make. Use boneless or bone-in chops, and pair them with a side dish or two for a quick weeknight dinner. Save leftovers to chop up and add to a simple stovetop fried rice or ramen.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s okay to eat pork that is still a little pink, as long as you cook the pork to an internal temperature of 145℉. To test this, insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Check to make sure the internal temperature of 145℉ is reached.
The cuts of pork that work well for slow cooking are those that are less tender and higher in fat. Those include pork roast or pork butt (also called Boston butt or pork shoulder). These cuts of pork benefit from a long cooking time, which makes them perfect for crockpot recipes. To reduce cooking time, cut a large pork roast into 4 to 6 smaller pieces that will cook faster.
Since stir-fry recipes cook quickly and over high heat, the best cut of pork is a lean one. Choose cubed pork tenderloin, pork loin, ground pork, or sliced pork chops.
More Recipe Roundups I Recommend
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