We're Making the Case for Easy Pork Dinners Every Night of the Week (2024)

Try it in casseroles, sandwiches, or slow-cooked to perfection!

By Nora Horvath
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We all love our chicken recipes and our steak dinners, but if you're looking to switch things up during the week, then why not try the "other white meat?" Yes, we're referring to pork in all its tasty forms. From ground pork to pork tenderloin, this list of pork recipes has something for every occasion. When football season is in full swing, you’ll love the pulled pork sandwiches, pork sausage rolls, and other game day eats ahead. Looking for meal that's hearty enough for a cowboy? Try a pork chop recipe that's smothered in gravy. Just ask Ree Drummond who says, "Sometimes you just need a big honkin' plate of pork chops dripping with bell pepper gravy." Amen!

Has this got you in the mood for pork yet? Next time you're at the store, swing by the butcher to check out all the different cuts of pork you can choose from. In addition to the usual pork chops and pork tenderloins, this list also includes chorizo, pork ribs, and pork shoulder. No matter what you end up going with, you'll probably find that most cuts of pork are more affordable than the other proteins in the store—a big win if you're on a budget. Try some of these recipes to perfect your pork-cooking game, and don't forget the best side dishes to go with pork.

1

Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Preserves

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In just 20 minutes, you can make this impressive-looking pork dinner that's sweet and herby. As Ree says, the recipe is "hardly a recipe at all," which goes to show how easy it is!

Get Ree's Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Preserves recipe.

SHOP DINNERWARE

2

Country-Style Ribs

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The spice rub used on these country-style pork ribs is so delicious, you'll want to use it on pork tenderloin and pork chops, as well! It's spicy, smoky, and downright irresistible.

Get the Country-Style Ribs recipe.

3

Baked Pasta with Sausage

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Italian sausage is made from seasoned ground pork so it's easy to cook with and budget-friendly, too. Add it to a cheesy baked pasta with kale and sun-dried tomatoes for a weeknight dinner that's oh-so comforting.

Get Ree's Baked Pasta with Sausage recipe.

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4

Meatball Sub

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A classic ground pork and beef mixture is what makes these meatballs utter perfection. They're added to jarred marinara sauce and piled onto hoagie rolls with lots of melty cheese.

Get the Meatball Sub recipe.

5

Grilled Ribs

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Grab the napkins! These pork ribs are messy to eat, but that's also what makes them so delicious. They're saucy, tender, slow-cooked, and worth the effort!

Get the Grilled Ribs recipe.

SHOP GRILL TOOLS

6

Stuffing with Chorizo and Poblanos

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Adding this type of ground pork sausage to a holiday stuffing will give it a much needed burst of flavor. It's spicy, bold, and great for pairing with poblano peppers.

Get Ree's Stuffing with Chorizo and Poblanos recipe.

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7

Puff Pastry-Wrapped Pork

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Give your pork tenderloin a flaky crust by wrapping it up in frozen puff pastry. The store-bought ingredient is an easy way to make this dish feel more elegant.

Get Ree's Puff Pastry-Wrapped Pork recipe.

8

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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This slow-cooked pork falls right off the bone thanks to the slow cooker. It's delicious piled onto pretzel buns with dijon mustard, or it can be used for nachos or tacos.

Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.

9

Grilled Pork Chops

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Throw some bone-in pork chops on the grill and you'll be rewarded with a juicy, flavorful weeknight dinner. They're delicious on their own but can also be served up with mango salsa!

Get the Grilled Pork Chops recipe.

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10

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

This recipe makes boneless pork chops for a crowd. They're cooked in a rich onion gravy that you'll want to pour over the whole plate (mashed potatoes, included!).

Get the Slow Cooker Pork Chops recipe.

SHOP SLOW COOKERS

11

Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Ree recommends using a combination of half ground pork and half ground beef for her homemade meatballs. It makes the perfect balance for a rich and satisfying dish.

Get Ree's Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe.

12

Air Fryer Pork Chops

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You won't believe how crispy these pork chops get thanks to the air fryer. It's a healthy dinner option, especially when served with a side salad.

Get the Air Fryer Pork Chops recipe.

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13

Sausage Rolls

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This appetizer is similar to pigs in a blanket, but it's made with pork sausage and bacon so it's even more flavorful!

Get the Sausage Rolls recipe.

14

Al Pastor

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This classic pork shoulder recipe is great for anyone who likes sweet, smoky, and deeply flavorful tacos. The pork is marinated with pineapple so it's anything but bland.

Get the Al Pastor recipe.

15

Sheet-Pan Ranch Pork and Veggies

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There are two ingenious parts of this recipe that make this dinner great. Ree uses a packet of ranch seasoning for a boost of flavor, and she cooks it all on a sheet pan for easy cleanup!

Get Ree's Sheet-Pan Ranch Pork and Veggies recipe.

SHOP RANCH SEASONING

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16

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Broccolini

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The mild flavor of pork makes it a great protein to pair with bitter greens. Try it with broccolini!

Get Ree's Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Broccolini recipe.

17

Instant Pot Carnitas with Cornbread

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Ree's take on carnitas is made in a pressure cooker. However, she recommends popping it under the broiler before serving to crisp up the outside.

Get Ree's Instant Pot Carnitas with Cornbread recipe.

18

Pork Banh Mi Lettuce Wraps

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These flavor-packed lettuce wraps are like a lightened-up banh mi sandwich. You won't even miss the bread!

Get Ree's Pork Banh Mi Lettuce Wraps recipe.

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19

Pork Milanese

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Pork chops are delicious with a crispy-crunchy coating. Ree says that tenderizing the meat for this recipe is a great way to get out your frustrations!

Get Ree's Pork Milanese recipe.

20

Instant Pot Sticky Pork Lettuce Wraps

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This easy dinner is a great reason to bust out your Instant Pot. The whole meal comes together in about an hour.

Get Ree's Instant Pot Sticky Pork Lettuce Wraps recipe.

SHOP INSTANT POTS

We're Making the Case for Easy Pork Dinners Every Night of the Week (2024)

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