Are you stuck in a weeknight dinner rut? I know I get there. When you just can’t look at another piece of chicken, ground pork comes to the rescue!
It’s flavorful, it’s so good for the budget, and it’s crazy versatile. These recipes are total game-changers for shaking things up.
1. Tacos
Your Taco Tuesdays are about to become completely hassle-free with this super easy recipe. You can get these tacos on the table in just 30 minutes, loaded up with ground pork, a fresh apple slaw, tomatoes, avocado, and a good squeeze of lime juice.
While I love beef tacos, using ground pork is so much simpler because it cooks up in no time. It’s also way more affordable, which is perfect when you need to feed a hungry group.
2. Stuffed Jalapenos
When you need a simple but impressive party appetizer, look no further than these amazing stuffed jalapeños. These shelled peppers aren’t overly spicy since the seeds are swapped out for a sausage and cream cheese mixture.
The stuffed peppers get baked in the oven and are ready in 20 minutes. Serve them with a side of ranch dressing for a truly winning combination.
For an even more delicious twist, you can mix your favorite shredded cheese right in with the cream cheese. YUM!
3. Pork Burgers
If you’re a fan of beef burgers, then you are going to LOVE this ground pork variation! They are just as juicy, flavorful, and filling as any traditional burger.
Ground pork is also less expensive than its beefy cousin, so this is the perfect recipe for an economical yet totally tasty dinner.
Just layer it with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and all the toppings you adore, and these pork burgers will become a new family favorite in no time!
4. Spring Rolls
You can find spring rolls at almost any Chinese restaurant, but why go for takeout when you can make a version that’s even more satisfying and budget-friendly at home? I used to think it was impossible until I found this recipe.
Filled with ground pork, veggies, and mushrooms, these rolls are such a treat. Wrapping them isn’t as hard as it looks. With a little practice, you’ll be making these savory, crunchy bites again and again.
Don’t forget to dip these beauties in a sweet and sour sauce for a total flavor explosion!
5. Pork Meatballs
I’m telling you, these tender and juicy pork meatballs are always a hit at our family dinners. They’re packed with flavor despite having such a short ingredient list.
Besides the lean ground pork, you just need a handful of spices like thyme, cumin, coriander, and sweet paprika to create a bold taste. I find that shaping them is way easier if your hands are a little damp.
You can fry them in a pan, but for a healthier meal, baking them in the oven works great too.
6. Sausage Hash
This sausage hash is a fantastic last-minute dinner idea that is packed with delicious flavor. The mix of carrots, potatoes, onions, and green peppers gives this dish a great nutrient boost.
Out of all the ground pork recipes here, this might just be the easiest one to pull off. You only need about 30 minutes and a single pan to get it all done.
Serve the hash with rice for a super filling meal, or turn it into a yummy breakfast alongside some pancakes!
7. Pork Fried Rice
One of the absolute most satisfying fried rice dishes I’ve ever had was loaded with ground pork. When you combine it with scrambled eggs and a mix of veggies, this fried rice will fill you up so fast.
The best part is that it all comes together in 15 minutes! It just takes a bit of mixing and, of course, frying. Leftover day-old rice is perfect for this, but fresh rice that has been cooled works too.
For a healthy twist, you can even use brown rice.
8. Egg Roll Bowl
This easy one-pan dinner is absolutely perfect for anyone on a keto diet. The dish is a simple mix of ground pork, cabbage, and spices, and it’s so good. It gets topped with sriracha and green onions for extra flavor.
Instead of a traditional egg roll wrapper, this recipe has you add a scrambled egg to the bowl for a nice protein boost.
9. Lettuce Wraps
Here’s a ground pork recipe that gets a healthy spin, all thanks to some fresh lettuce leaves. It’s so quick and easy; you only need 20 minutes to make this dish happen.
Just cook the ground pork with some classic spices until it’s all combined. Then, spoon that mixture into the lettuce and top it with scallions, sesame seeds, and carrots for a crunchy, tasty bite.
A little drizzle of sriracha on top really kicks things up a notch!
10. Egg Roll Soup
This egg roll in a soup form is such a nourishing and belly-warming dish. It’s made with a base of chicken broth and ground pork, which creates a comforting blend of rich flavors.
A bunch of vegetables are also added to the mix, making the soup completely packed with nutrients. The ginger adds a little bit of heat, while coconut aminos bring in a salty, savory flavor that is just so good.
11. Thai Pork Salad
Thai cuisine definitely recognizes the power of ground pork, including it in some amazing dishes. A fantastic example is this delicious pork salad, also known as nam sod.
This salad is traditionally pretty spicy, but you can always leave out some of the spices to match the heat level you can handle.
Most of the flavor comes from a dressing made with ginger, chili garlic sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice. It’s a real powerhouse!
12. Sausage Queso Dip
Two of my absolute favorite ingredients, sausage and cheese, come together in this incredibly easy-to-make dip. The dish is made even heartier with the addition of green chilies, corn, and tomatoes.
For a taco-flavored version, just add some taco seasoning to the mix and serve it with sour cream. Make sure you have plenty of tortilla chips ready, because this creamy dip is completely irresistible.
13. Pork Meatball Banh Mi
Banh mi is a total staple in Vietnamese cuisine. It brings together a combination of tangy and savory fillings, all tucked inside a piece of toasted bread.
The addition of perfectly seasoned pork meatballs really takes this sandwich to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Also, whatever you do, don’t skip the hot chili mayo. It makes this banh mi a complete flavor powerhouse!
14. Sausage Egg Casserole
Cheese, egg, and sausage all join together in a warm, comforting casserole. This will quickly become a go-to brunch or breakfast recipe in your house!
Since this dish doesn’t have bread, you can serve it with French toast or cinnamon rolls. Or, you can just eat it on its own if you’re looking for a lighter breakfast.
For super easy prep, you can even cook the sausage the night before. Want to make it even more flavorful? Just add some green chiles or use Italian seasonings.
15. Empanadas
Empanadas filled with a savory pork picadillo are one of the most delicious ground pork recipes you can find. The meat gets seasoned with Hispanic spices like adobo, sazon, and oregano.
For great texture and extra flavor, the filling also includes tomato sauce, capers, Yukon potatoes, and olives. Now that’s a flavor-packed stuffing!
Of course, the recipe uses an empanada dough to hold all that goodness inside. Just deep fry them until they’re warm and crunchy. Serve with some hot sauce for seriously good turnovers!
16. Dan Dan Noodles
These nutty, hot dan dan noodles are infused with meaty flavor, all thanks to a meat mixture loaded with Szechuan spices. This dish does take some time and effort, but I promise it is totally worth it.
Every single bite of these noodles delivers a rich umami taste and a numbing heat. You have been warned! Once you learn this recipe, you will never go back to takeout dan dan noodles again.
17. Pork Bolognese
In this dish, tender ground pork is stirred into a rich bolognese sauce. When you combine it with diced celery, carrots, garlic, and tomatoes, you get a completely soul-warming spaghetti sauce.
This recipe is a fantastic variation on the classic beef bolognese. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to pull together.
For a healthier meal, try swapping the spaghetti for zoodles and pour the warm sauce right on top. Delicious!
18. Lasagna
While we’re on the subject of that famous Italian pasta dish, I have to share a recipe for classic lasagna. But this time, you’ll be using ground pork. The flavorful meat sauce pairs so well with the creamy parmesan white sauce.
Add some melted mozzarella cheese on top, and you are guaranteed to enjoy every single bite. I promise you won’t have any leftovers with this awesome lasagna, only people coming back for seconds and thirds!
19. Pork Stir-Fry
This stir-fry dish is absolutely loaded with favorite spices from the Szechuan province in China. In just 25 minutes, it’ll be on your table and ready to impress everyone.
This recipe involves marinating the pork in either Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry. At the same time, a spicy-sweet sauce and charred asparagus add a deeper flavor. Serve it with white rice to balance out the briny tang from the dish.
20. Nachos
Olives, red peppers, onions, and mozzarella cheese are all part of this incredible nacho bake. It’s both so delicious and healthy! This dish is perfect for parties or anytime you get a craving for Mexican-style comfort food.
Just assemble the nachos like you normally would, then bake them in the oven for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready once all the cheese has melted.
You don’t need any advanced cooking skills, but you’ll get nachos loaded with awesome flavor!
21. Pork Ragu
Ragu is a classic Italian dish that’s usually made with ground beef, spices, and veggies. It’s an aromatic sauce often served with pasta and is much thicker than your usual sauce.
Of course, this version calls for ground pork. Some diced bacon is added for a meatier taste, while tomato paste, chicken stock, and dry red wine bring a wonderful depth of flavor to the whole thing.
22. Lasagna Soup
Lasagna in a bowl is the definition of an ultra-comforting soup. I’m not exaggerating; this soup has all the ingredients you love from a traditional lasagna.
The cheese, pasta sheets, tomato paste, and classic Italian spices are all combined in one heavenly bowl of soup. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without the ground pork. It’s a wonderful change from the beef lasagna you’ve always known.
23. Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls
These spicy cabbage rolls are bursting with Asian flavors, and this is one of my go-to dishes when winter rolls around. While you can make these with turkey, chicken, or beef, the most budget-friendly choice is ground pork.
The filling gets even more flavorful with scallions, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. The cabbage rolls are extra satisfying when you pair them with eggs and brown rice.
24. Pork Chili
If you have not had chili made with ground pork, now is the time to give it a try! The beef version is a classic, but using pork brings out just as much amazing flavor.
Since ground pork doesn’t have a high price tag, you can make this extremely comforting chili any time, any day, without breaking your budget.
This dish uses all the usual chili ingredients you already love. Serve it with a side of cornbread to sop up every last drop!
25. Sausage Egg Cups
Sausage and egg… sounds like a perfect breakfast to me. Throw some spinach and parmesan cheese into these cups and you can expect a feast first thing in the morning!
These egg cups are best served with fresh fruits, pastries, or a cup of coffee. It’s a complete breakfast that will totally make your day. As for prep, you won’t even break a sweat because the sausage and egg mixtures are so easy to put together.
Be generous with the cheese if you want the cups to be extra cheesy. For a kid-friendly option, you can leave out the spinach and serve them with fresh fruit.
26. Pizza Sausage
There is always time for a good, easy, homemade pizza. And if you have been looking for a new recipe, this is the one for you.
Instead of classic pepperoni, you can feast on a pizza that brings together sausage, green peppers, mushrooms, and olives. It is so flavorful!
So, how do you make the sausage? Just mix the raw ground pork with herbs and spices. Cook it until it’s brown, drain it, and then use it as a pizza topping. Simple as that!