I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.
Ground pork is a tasty and budget-friendly meat that can be used in many different dishes. It’s quick to cook and soaks up flavors well, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals. You can use ground pork to make meatballs, burgers, stir-fries, and even breakfast sausages.
From Asian-inspired lettuce wraps to classic Italian spaghetti and meatballs, there are so many ways to enjoy this versatile ingredient. Ground pork is also great in casseroles and one-pot meals, saving you time on cleanup. With these recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas for what to make with ground pork.
Pork Dumplings
Here’s what you’ll need for tasty pork dumplings:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 head napa cabbage, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 egg
- Wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil for cooking
Now let’s make them!
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Mix the pork, cabbage, green onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and egg in a big bowl.
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Put a spoonful of the mix in the center of a wonton wrapper.
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Wet the edges with water and fold to make a triangle. Pinch to seal.
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Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
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Place dumplings flat side down and cook until brown.
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Add 1/2 cup water, cover, and simmer for 6-7 minutes.
Your dumplings are ready when the water is gone and they’re cooked through. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Meatballs
Ready to make some tasty pork meatballs? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Use your hands to combine everything well.
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Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. You should get about 20 meatballs.
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Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
Your meatballs are now ready to enjoy! Serve them with your favorite sauce or add them to pasta for a hearty meal.
Bolognese Sauce
You’ll need these ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Here’s how to make it:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pork and cook until browned.
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Add the chopped veggies and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Pour in the wine and let it simmer until mostly evaporated.
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Stir in the milk and let it reduce for about 5 minutes.
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Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your Bolognese sauce is ready! Serve it over your favorite pasta for a tasty meal.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
You’ll need:
- 6 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Here’s how to make them:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F.
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Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.
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In a skillet, cook the pork, onion, and garlic until the meat browns.
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Mix in the rice, breadcrumbs, and half the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
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Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
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Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
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Bake for about 35 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot.
Your stuffed peppers will be ready to enjoy! They’re perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Pork Burgers
Ready to make some tasty pork burgers? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Burger buns and toppings of your choice
Now let’s get cooking!
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Mix all ingredients (except buns and toppings) in a large bowl.
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Shape the mixture into 4 patties, about 1 inch thick.
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Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high.
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Cook the burgers for 5 minutes on each side, or until they reach 160°F inside.
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If you like cheese, add a slice during the last minute of cooking.
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Place the burgers on buns and add your favorite toppings.
Enjoy your homemade pork burgers! They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick meal.
Larb (Thai Minced Pork Salad)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Thai dish:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 tablespoons uncooked rice
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup sliced shallots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
To make larb:
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Toast the rice in a dry pan until golden. Grind it into a powder.
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Cook the pork in a pan over medium heat until no longer pink.
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Remove from heat and mix in the rice powder, lime juice, and fish sauce.
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Add chili powder, shallots, and green onions. Stir well.
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Let it cool slightly, then mix in the fresh herbs.
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Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Serve your larb warm or at room temperature. It’s great with sticky rice and fresh veggies on the side. Enjoy your homemade Thai treat!
Mapo Tofu
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty dish:
- 1 lb soft tofu, cubed
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 tbsp chili bean paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Now, let’s get cooking!
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Brown the ground pork in a wok over medium-high heat.
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Add garlic, ginger, and chili bean paste. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
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Gently add the tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the soy sauce and Sichuan peppercorns if using.
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Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens.
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Sprinkle green onions on top and serve hot over rice.
You’ll have a delicious meal ready in just 15 minutes! This spicy, comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and flavorful.
Pork And Cabbage Stir-Fry
Here’s a tasty pork and cabbage stir-fry recipe you can make at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add ground pork and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it browns.
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Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
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Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it starts to wilt.
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Pour in the soy sauce and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot and enjoy your delicious pork and cabbage stir-fry!
This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights. You can pair it with rice or noodles for a filling dinner.
Sausage Rolls
You’ll need:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs like thyme or sage
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Mix the ground pork with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like.
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Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into long strips.
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Place a line of the pork mixture along each strip.
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Roll the pastry around the meat, sealing the edge with a bit of water.
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Cut the long rolls into smaller pieces, about 2-3 inches each.
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Place the rolls on a baking sheet, seam-side down.
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Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden.
Your sausage rolls are ready! They’re perfect for snacks or parties. You can freeze them before baking if you want to save some for later.
Pork Lettuce Wraps
Ready to make some tasty pork lettuce wraps? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 small onion, diced
- Lettuce leaves for wrapping
Now let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:
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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add ground pork and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
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Toss in garlic, ginger, and onion. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until onion softens.
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Pour in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine.
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Let the mixture simmer for 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Scoop the pork mixture into lettuce leaves.
That’s it! Your pork lettuce wraps are ready to enjoy. Serve them right away while they’re nice and warm. Feel free to add some chopped carrots or scallions on top for extra crunch!
Shepherd’s Pie (With Pork)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Brown the ground pork in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
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Add onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in mixed vegetables, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Simmer for 10 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish.
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Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top. If using cheese, sprinkle it on now.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your homemade pork shepherd’s pie! It’s a comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Pork Meatloaf
Here’s a tasty pork meatloaf recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Use your hands to combine everything well.
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Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
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Bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
For extra flavor, you can spread some ketchup or BBQ sauce on top before baking. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices. Enjoy your homemade pork meatloaf!
Cuban Picadillo
Here’s what you’ll need to make Cuban Picadillo:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, let’s make it!
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and peppers, cooking until soft.
Toss in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the pork and cook until no longer pink.
Sprinkle in the cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. Stir well.
Pour in the tomatoes and wine. Bring to a simmer.
Add raisins and olives. Cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve your Cuban Picadillo over rice or with crusty bread. Enjoy this tasty dish!
Pork And Mushroom Risotto
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, let’s get cooking!
Heat the olive oil in a large pan. Add the ground pork and cook until browned. Remove the pork and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add the mushrooms and cook for a few minutes.
Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the wine and let it absorb.
Add the broth, one ladle at a time. Stir constantly and wait for each addition to absorb before adding more.
When the rice is almost done, add the cooked pork back to the pan. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your creamy pork and mushroom risotto is ready to serve!
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
You’ll need:
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh.
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Place zucchini boats on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
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In a skillet, cook ground pork over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
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Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Fill each zucchini boat with the pork mixture.
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Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of each boat.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your tasty stuffed zucchini boats!
Pork Egg Rolls
Here’s what you’ll need to make tasty pork egg rolls:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 package egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
Now let’s get cooking!
Brown the pork in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Add the cabbage, carrots, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until veggies soften.
Let the filling cool slightly. Place about 1/3 cup of filling on each wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up, then fold in the sides and roll tightly.
Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the egg rolls for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Serve your homemade pork egg rolls hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy this crispy, savory treat!
Pork And Bean Chili
Want to make a tasty pork and bean chili? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Now, let’s get cooking!
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Brown the pork, onion, and garlic in a large pot over medium heat. Drain any extra fat.
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Add the chili powder, salt, and oregano. Stir well.
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Pour in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans. Break up the tomatoes as you stir.
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Bring the mix to a boil, then lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer for about an hour, stirring now and then.
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Taste and add more seasoning if needed.
Your chili is ready to serve! Top it with cheese, sour cream, or green onions if you like. Enjoy your warm, hearty meal!
Sloppy Joes
Ready to make some tasty sloppy joes with ground pork? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Directions:
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Brown the ground pork in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the onions and green peppers to the skillet. Cook until they’re soft, about 4 minutes.
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In a bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.
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Pour this sauce over the pork mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
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Serve the hot sloppy joe mixture on toasted hamburger buns.
Enjoy your homemade pork sloppy joes! They’re perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Pork Fried Rice
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 8 oz ground pork
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s get cooking!
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Push the pork to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble them as they cook.
Add the rice to the skillet. Stir everything together. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix well.
Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring often. Make sure the rice is heated through.
Sprinkle the green onions on top. Give it a final stir and taste. Add salt and pepper if needed.
Your homemade pork fried rice is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy your tasty creation.
Pork Empanadas
Here’s what you’ll need to make tasty pork empanadas:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 tbsp sofrito seasoning
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning
- 1/8 tsp oregano
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp tomato sauce
- Empanada dough or puff pastry
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Now let’s make these delicious hand pies:
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Mix the ground pork with sofrito, adobo, oregano, and salt in a bowl.
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Cook the seasoned pork in a pan until browned. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Let it cool.
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Roll out your dough and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
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Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork. Brush with beaten egg.
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Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Your homemade pork empanadas are ready to enjoy! Serve them warm as a snack or meal. They’re perfect for parties too.