These simple ground pork recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners! From juicy pork meatballs to Asian-style pork cabbage rolls, you’ll be in for a meaty treat.
When you’ve had enough seafood, chicken, and ground beef, you might as well switch things up and have protein-packed ground pork.
Easy Ground Pork Recipes
It’s tasty, filling, and incredibly versatile.
Although it’s often used for meatballs and meatloaf, there’s so much that you can do with ground pork.
Best of all, it’s super economical, so you can enjoy a delightful meal, even on a budget!
Plus, your family will be happy to see some new dishes thrown into the weekly mix. Here are 26 of the tastiest ground pork recipes around!
1. Pork Meatballs
Tender, juicy pork meatballs are always a hit at family dinners. They’re packed with flavors despite the short ingredient list.
Besides the lean ground pork, you’ll need some spices to create a mixture of bold flavors.
These typically include thyme, cumin, coriander, sweet paprika, and onion and garlic powders.
Shaping the meatballs is easiest when your hands are a little moist with water.
They’re traditionally fried in a pan, but you can bake them in the oven for a healthier variation.
2. Lettuce Wraps
Here’s a ground pork recipe made healthy, thanks to the addition of fresh lettuce leaves.
Quick and easy, you’ll only need 20 minutes to make this dish. Simply cook the ground pork along with classic spices until well-combined.
Spoon the mixture into the lettuce and add scallions, sesame seeds, and carrots for a tasty and crunchy bite.
A drizzle of sriracha on top will spice things up!
3. Pork Stir-Fry
This stir-fry dish is loaded with favorite spices from Szechuan, a province in China. In 25 minutes, it’ll reach your table and impress the entire crowd.
This recipe requires marinating the pork in Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry. Meanwhile, the spicy-sweet sauce and charred asparagus will deepen the flavor.
Serve with white rice to balance out the briny tang from this dish.
4. Pork Burgers
If you’re a fan of beef burgers, then you’ll love this ground pork variation! They’re just as flavorful, juicy, and filling as traditional burgers.
Ground pork is also cheaper than its beef counterpart, so this is the perfect recipe if you want an economical yet super tasty dinner.
Layer with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and all the toppings that you love, and these pork burgers will become an instant favorite!
5. Pork Bolognese
Tender ground pork goes into a rich bolognese sauce in this dish.
When combined with diced celery, carrots, garlic, and tomatoes, you’ll have a soul-warming spaghetti sauce.
This recipe is a wonderful variation of beef bolognese. Plus, it only takes around 30 minutes to make.
For a healthy meal, swap the spaghetti for zoodles (zucchini noodles), pour the warm sauce, and enjoy!
6. Pork Ragu
Ragu is a classic Italian dish typically made with ground beef, spices, and veggies. It’s an aromatic sauce often used in pasta dishes and is thicker than usual sauces.
Of course, this recipe calls for ground pork. Diced bacon makes for a meatier taste, while the tomato paste, chicken stock, and dry red wine add a wonderful depth of flavor.
7. Pork Meatball Banh Mi
Banh mi is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. It features a combination of tangy and savory fillings, encased in toasted bread.
The addition of well-seasoned pork meatballs takes this sandwich to the next level.
Also, don’t skip adding the hot chili mayo, as it makes the banh mi a flavor powerhouse!
8. Pork Fried Rice
One of the most satisfying fried rice dishes I’ve ever had is packed with ground pork.
Together with scrambled eggs and a mix of veggies, this fried rice will fill you up SO quickly.
The best part is that everything comes together in 15 minutes! All it takes is some mixing and, of course, frying.
Day-old rice is ideal for this recipe, but cooled, fresh rice will also work. A healthy variation of this dish makes use of brown rice.
9. Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls
These spicy cabbage rolls are full of Asian flavors, and this is one of my go-to dishes come winter.
Although you can make these rolls with turkey, chicken, or beef, the most budget-friendly option is ground pork.
The filling is made even more flavorful with scallions, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. The cabbage rolls are extra satisfying when paired with eggs and brown rice.
10. Dan Dan Noodles
Nutty, hot dan dan noodles are infused with meaty goodness, thanks to a meat mixture full of Szechuan spices.
This dish takes time and effort, but is definitely worth your while.
Every bite of these noodles will bring a rich umami taste and numbing heat. You’ve been warned.
Learn this recipe, and you won’t go back to takeout dan dan noodles!
11. Tacos
Your Taco Tuesdays will be hassle-free with this easy-peasy recipe.
Ready in 30 minutes, you’ll have tacos loaded with ground pork, apple slaw, tomatoes, avocado, and lime juice.
While nothing beats beef tacos for me, using ground pork is much easier, as it doesn’t take much time to cook.
Plus, it’s more affordable, so you can feed a hungry crowd.
12. Nachos
Olives, red peppers, onions, and mozzarella cheese are included in this nacho bake. It’s both delicious and healthy!
This dish is ideal for parties or any time you’re craving comfort food Mexican-style. Assemble the nachos the usual way, then bake them in the oven for 10 minutes.
You’ll know they’re done once the cheese has melted. No advanced cooking skills are needed, but you’ll get nachos loaded with awesome flavors!
13. Thai Pork Salad
Thai people recognize the mighty ground pork and include it in some of their dishes. A great example is this tasty pork salad also known as nam sod.
Traditionally, this salad is quite spicy, but you can omit some of the spices depending on the heat level you can take.
The source of most flavors is the dressing made with ginger, chili garlic sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice.
14. Egg Roll Bowl
This one-pan dinner is ideal for those following a keto diet. This dish includes ground pork, cabbage, and spices.
It’s also topped with sriracha and green onions for flavoring.
Instead of using an egg roll wrapper, this recipe will instruct you to add a scrambled egg into the bowl for added protein.
15. Pizza Sausage
There’s always time for a good, easy, homemade pizza. And if you’re looking for a new recipe, this is the one.
Instead of classic pepperoni, you can feast on a pizza that combines sausage, green peppers, mushrooms, and olives. It’s so flavorful!
So, how do you make the sausage? Just mix the raw ground pork, herbs, and spices. Cook it until brown, drain, and use it as a topping.
16. Empanadas
Empanadas filled with pork picadillo are among the tastiest ground pork recipes out there.
The meat is seasoned with Hispanic spices, such as adobo, sazon, and oregano.
For texture and added flavors, the filling also includes tomato sauce, capers, Yukon potatoes, and olives. Now, that’s a flavor-packed stuffing!
Of course, this recipe calls for an empanada dough, where the filling goes in.
Deep fry them until warm and crunchy. Serve with some hot sauce for crazy good turnovers!
17. Stuffed Jalapenos
When you’re in need of an easy but simple party appetizer, look no further than these stuffed jalapeños.
These shelled peppers aren’t spicy because the seeds are removed and replaced with a sausage and cream cheese mixture.
The stuffed peppers go into the oven and will be ready in 20 minutes. Serve with a ranch dressing for maximum flavor.
For a delicious variation, you can mix cream cheese and your favorite shredded cheese for the stuffing.
18. Pork Chili
If you haven’t had chili with ground pork, now’s the time to try it! The beef version is classic, but using pork brings out just as much flavor.
Since ground pork doesn’t come with a hefty price tag, you can make this extremely comforting chili, any time, any day, without stretching your budget.
This dish is made using the usual chili ingredients that you love. Serve it with some cornbread to sop everything up!
19. Sausage Queso Dip
Two of my favorite ingredients — sausage and cheese — are in this easy-to-make dip. This dish is made hearty with green chilies, corn, and tomatoes.
For a taco-flavored queso dip, simply add taco seasoning to the mix and serve with sour cream.
Bring out lots of tortilla chips because this creamy dip is simply irresistible.
20. Egg Roll Soup
This egg roll in soup form is a nourishing and belly-warming dish. It includes chicken broth and ground pork, resulting in a comforting meld of rich flavors.
Vegetables are added into the mix to make the soup completely nutrient-dense. Ginger adds a little heat, while the coconut aminos bring in a salty, umami flavor.
21. Lasagna Soup
Lasagna in a bowl is the embodiment of an ultra-comforting soup. I’m not even exaggerating — this soup has all the ingredients you enjoy in a traditional lasagna.
The cheese, pasta sheets, tomato paste, and classic Italian spices are combined in a heavenly bowl of soup.
Of course, it won’t be complete without the ground pork. It’s a wonderful switch up to the beef lasagna that you’ve always known.
22. Lasagna
While we’re on the topic of the famous Italian pasta dish, I might as well share a recipe for classic lasagna. But then again, you’ll be using ground pork for this dish.
The flavorful meat sauce goes well with the creamy parmesan white sauce. Add to that the melted mozzarella cheese, and you’re sure to enjoy every bite.
For sure, you won’t have leftovers with this awesome lasagna recipe, only seconds and thirds!
23. Sausage Hash
This sausage hash is a great last-minute dinner idea that packs delicious flavors.
The mix of carrots, potatoes, onions, and green peppers gives a nutrient boost to this dish.
Among the ground pork recipes here, this is perhaps the easiest one to make. You’ll only need 30 minutes and one pan to bring everything together.
Serve the sausage hash with rice for a filling meal. You can also turn it into a scrumptious breakfast with some pancakes!
24. Sausage Egg Cups
Sausage and egg, hmm… sounds like a good breakfast. Throw some spinach and parmesan cheese into the cups and expect to have a feast early in the morning!
These egg cups are best served with fresh fruits, pastries, or a cup of coffee. It’s a complete breakfast that’ll make your day.
In terms of preparation, you won’t break a sweat, as the sausage and egg mixtures come together so easily.
Be generous with the cheese topping if you want the cubs to be extra cheesy. For a kid-friendly meal, you can omit the spinach and just serve the cups with fresh fruit.
25. Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are available in almost any Chinese restaurant. But why choose takeout when you can make a more satisfying and economical version at home?
I also thought that wasn’t possible until I came across this recipe for spring rolls.
Filled with ground pork, veggies, and mushrooms, these rolls are such a delight to eat.
Wrapping spring rolls isn’t that difficult. With practice, you’ll make these spring rolls again and again, when you’re craving crunchy, savory bites.
Note: dip these lovely spring rolls in a sweet and sour sauce for a flavor bomb!
26. Sausage Egg Casserole
Cheese, egg, and sausage all come together in a warm casserole. This will easily become a favorite brunch or breakfast recipe at your home!
This casserole dish has no bread, so you can serve it with French toast or cinnamon rolls. Eat it as is if you’re looking for a light breakfast.
For easy preparation, you can cook the sausage the night before. Want your casserole to be more flavorful?
Simply add green chiles or use Italian seasonings.
I cook pork tenderloin frequently… My kids love it and it honestly it’s a cheaper cut of meat and lean! I sear my tenderloins in a cast iron pan on the two fattest sides for three minutes each and then the other two edges for one min each.