Skip to Content

30 Best Pork Recipes for a Winning Weeknight Meal

Chops, tenderloin, and pulled pork sandwiches.

By Nora Horvath
pork recipes
Caitlin Bensel

Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Pork is one of the most versatile weeknight dinners for a family. Whether you opt for saucy pulled pork sandwiches, herb-roasted pork tenderloin, or even ground pork in the form of meatballs—each one will become a family favorite. Just ask Ree Drummond who's been serving up pork to her crew for years (even despite their love for steak!). "Pork chops have always been a huge favorite in my family," she says. She's made them fried, grilled, baked in the oven, and dripping with gravy. It's seriously drool-worthy!

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 chop recipes and pork tenderloins, this list of pork recipes 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

Oven Baked Pork Chops

oven baked pork chops
Ryan Liebe

Ree describes this recipe as "one of the easiest and most delicious ways to prepare pork chops." They're baked in the oven, brushed with BBQ sauce, and served with a tangy pepper slaw.

Get Ree's Oven Baked Pork Chops recipe.

SHOP BAKING SHEETS

2

Pork, Apple, and Sage Meatballs

pork apple sage meatballs
Ryan Liebe

These ground pork meatballs are made with grated apple, fresh sage, garlic, and allspice to give them a ton of flavor. Then, serve them up over mashed sweet potatoes for a comforting meal.

Get Ree's Pork, Apple, and Sage Meatballs recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Panko-Crusted Pork Chops

panko crusted pork chops
Antonis Achilleos

These boneless pork chops are seasoned with honey mustard and covered with panko breadcrumbs for the ultimate crunch. The best part is that it takes less than 15 minutes to get them golden and baked.

Get Ree's Panko-Crusted Pork Chops recipe.

4

Pork Fried Rice

pork fried rice
Antonis Achilleos

Grab some leftover rice and frozen mixed vegetables to make this quick and easy meal. It's a shortcut recipe that's faster than takeout!

Get Ree's Pork Fried Rice recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Gravy

pork schnitzel mushroom gravy
Ryan Liebe

If you're new to schnitzel, this crunchy breaded pork chop will change your world! It's even more comforting when topped with creamy mushroom gravy and served with a side of mashed potatoes.

Get Ree's Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Gravy recipe.

SHOP DINNERWARE

6

Pork Burgers

pork burger
Antonis Achilleos

Switch up your typical burger night with this juicy pork burger loaded with bacon and onion. It's a smoky meal that can be made in a cast-iron skillet or on a grill pan.

Get the Pork Burgers recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos

slow cooker pulled pork tacos
Will Dickey

Inspired by the classic Mexican al pastor, these tacos are bold, smoky, and flavorful with a touch of sweet pineapple. You can make them in your slow cooker for an easy take on taco night!

Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos recipe.

8

Grilled Sesame Pork Kebabs

grilled sesame pork kebabs
Antonis Achilleos

Marinated pork tenderloin is incredibly easy to cook on the grill (or on a grill pan). To make the dinner complete, just serve them up with a refreshing cucumber salad and a side of rice.

Get Ree's Grilled Sesame Pork Kebabs recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

air fryer pork tenderloin
Will Dickey

Get ready for the quickest and easiest way to prepare pork tenderloin! Your handy air fryer will ensure it comes out juicy and moist with a flavorful crust every time.

Get the Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin recipe.

10

Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Preserves

herb roasted pork tenderloin with preserves
Danielle Daly

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 COOKWARE

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

Grilled Pork Chops

grilled pork chops
Will Dickey

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.

12

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches
Caitlin Bensel

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Puff Pastry-Wrapped Pork

puff pastry wrapped pork with brussels slaw
Dana Gallagher

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.

14

Air Fryer Pork Chops

air fryer pork chops
Will Dickey

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

slow cooker pork chops
Will Dickey

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

16

Pork Banh Mi Lettuce Wraps

pork banh mi lettuce wraps
GHAZALLE BADIOZAMANI

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

Country-Style Ribs

country style pork ribs
Caitlin Bensel

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.

18

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

pan fried pork chops
Ralph Smith

Skip all the complicated techniques on a busy night and fry up some pork chops for dinner. Ree's version is ready in under 10 minutes.

Get Ree's Pan-Fried Pork Chops recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Broccolini

grilled pork tenderloin with broccolini
Con Poulos

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.

20

Sheet-Pan Ranch Pork and Veggies

sheet pan ranch pork and veggies
Ralph Smith

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

Watch Next 
pork recipes
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below