Ground pork is a versatile and affordable meat option that can transform everyday meals into delicious culinary experiences. From Asian-inspired dumplings to comforting meatballs, this protein adapts to various flavors and cooking methods with ease.
You’ll find it works well in everything from breakfast dishes to dinner entrees. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or impressive party appetizers, ground pork provides endless possibilities.
The recipes in this collection represent diverse cuisines including Italian, Asian, Mexican, and American comfort food favorites. Expand your cooking repertoire with these delicious options.
1. Curry Pork Burgers with Spicy Ketchup
These flavorful curry pork burgers offer a delicious twist on traditional beef patties. Use ground pork as your base, seasoned with curry powder, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
The combination of spices gives these burgers a unique flavor profile that’s both aromatic and slightly spicy. Fresh scallions and garlic add depth to the meat mixture.
Pair these juicy pork burgers with a spicy ketchup on a bun with butter lettuce and sliced tomatoes. The cool crispness of the lettuce balances the warm spices in the burger.
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. It’s perfect for a family dinner or gathering with friends.
2. Spicy Pork Noodle Bowl
This quick and flavorful dish combines ground pork with thin Chinese noodles for a satisfying meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground pork, breaking it apart with a spatula, and season with salt and pepper.
Mix in minced fresh ginger and garlic for depth of flavor. For the sauce, combine chicken broth with soy sauce or tamari.
Customize the spice level to your preference. Add vegetables like bok choy or scallions for extra nutrition.
3. Mapo Tofu with Pork
Mapo Tofu with Pork combines soft tofu with savory ground pork in a flavorful sauce. This popular Chinese dish is known for its balance of spicy and numbing flavors.
Adjust the spice level to your preference. Some versions use lean ground pork, while others recommend an 80-20 ratio for more flavor.
The dish comes together in about 20 minutes. Key ingredients include tofu, ground pork, garlic, ginger, and green onions.
Serve Mapo Tofu with steamed rice for a complete meal. The rice helps balance the bold flavors of the dish.
4. 3-Ingredient Ground Pork Stir-Fry with Coleslaw
This super simple stir-fry needs just three ingredients to make a tasty meal in minutes. You’ll need ground pork, a bag of coleslaw mix, and sweet Thai chili sauce.
The bagged coleslaw provides pre-shredded cabbage and carrots that cook down perfectly with the pork. Brown your ground pork in a pan, add the coleslaw mix until it wilts, then stir in the Thai chili sauce.
The sauce adds the perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat to this easy weeknight dinner. This versatile recipe works with ground chicken too if you prefer.
Serve it on its own for a low-carb meal or over rice for a more filling option.
5. Browned Pork with Green Chilies and Pinto Beans
This hearty dish combines tender ground pork with spicy green chilies and creamy pinto beans. Start by browning the ground pork until it’s nicely seared and flavorful.
Sauté onions and garlic with the green chilies to build a flavor base. Add cumin for that essential earthy taste that complements the pork perfectly.
The pinto beans add substance and protein to the mix. Serve this versatile dish over cornbread or rice for a complete meal.
This Mexican-inspired stew works well for cold days, providing comfort and warmth with every spoonful.
6. Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Bowls
This quick and flavorful dish brings Vietnamese street food flavors to your kitchen. Ground pork transforms with the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty elements.
You’ll need just a handful of common ingredients like fish sauce, garlic, and shallots. The caramelization process gives the pork a rich, deep flavor that’s irresistible when served over rice.
The dish comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Customize your bowl with fresh herbs or vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
This affordable recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste without the price tag. It’s a great way to introduce your family to Vietnamese cuisine.
7. Easy Ground Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables
Ground pork stir fry is a quick and flavorful meal that comes together in just 20-30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Combine ground pork with various vegetables like cabbage, bok choy, bell peppers, or whatever veggies you have in your fridge. This flexibility makes it a great way to use up leftover produce.
The sauce brings everything together—usually a simple mixture with soy sauce as the base. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Serve your stir fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
8. Stir-Fried Cabbage and Pork in Fish Sauce Butter
This quick weeknight dish combines humble ingredients with bold flavors. Cook ground pork with garlic, ginger, and scallions to create a savory base.
Fish sauce, lime juice, and butter form a rich, salty-tangy sauce that coats the meat and cabbage. It’s simple but incredibly flavorful.
You’ll need basic ingredients like neutral oil, ground pork, salt, pepper, and scallions. The combination of briny fish sauce and butter creates a unique flavor profile that elevates ordinary cabbage.
This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings.
9. Ssamjang Pork Meatballs
Ssamjang pork meatballs offer a quick and flavorful dinner option with a Korean twist. Combine ground pork with ssamjang, a fermented soybean paste that adds a salty, pungent flavor to the meat.
You’ll need ground pork, ssamjang (store-bought or homemade), panko breadcrumbs, and scallions as the base ingredients. The ssamjang adds remarkable depth of flavor, making these meatballs stand out from traditional recipes.
Serve them as an appetizer or main dish, garnished with additional scallions for freshness and color.
10. Chef John’s Italian Pork Meatballs
Chef John’s Italian meatballs combine equal parts ground pork and ground beef for a perfect texture and flavor. The recipe features a delicious mix of ingredients including diced onion, fresh parsley, and Italian herbs.
Garlic and Parmesan cheese give the meatballs their rich taste. Some versions use a combination of beef, veal, and pork, but the standard beef-pork mixture is more affordable and equally delicious.
You’ll need breadcrumbs soaked in milk, olive oil, eggs, and various seasonings to complete the recipe. This classic Italian dish is surprisingly easy to make at home.
11. Lazy Pork Dumplings
Lazy Pork Dumplings offer all the flavor of traditional dumplings without the fuss of pleating. Chef John created this shortcut method to produce delicious pork potstickers in much less time.
The recipe uses ground pork and minced garlic as key ingredients. When you throw them into a seasoned broth, they taste remarkably similar to soup dumplings.
Enjoy these dumplings pan-fried as potstickers or dropped into broth for a dumpling soup. This makes them versatile for different meals.
When time is short but you’re craving homemade dumplings, this recipe is your perfect solution.
12. Ginger Pork Pot Stickers
Ginger pork pot stickers are a delicious Asian-inspired dish you can make at home. These dumplings combine ground pork with flavorful ginger, cabbage, and green onions for a tasty filling.
The magic of pot stickers is in their cooking method. Fry and steam them to create a crispy bottom with a tender top.
While making them from scratch takes some time, the results are worth it. Make a large batch and freeze extras for later meals.
Serve them with a simple dipping sauce for a perfect appetizer or main dish.
13. Homemade Pork Lasagna
Pork lasagna offers a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Use ground pork alone or combine it with ground beef for a richer flavor profile.
Brown 1-2 pounds of ground pork with minced onions and crushed garlic. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and your favorite Italian herbs for a flavorful sauce.
Layer the meat sauce with lasagna noodles and cheese in a baking dish. Many recipes call for a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses.
Bake until the lasagna is bubbling and golden on top. This hearty dish makes excellent leftovers and can be prepared ahead of time for busy weeknights.
14. Egg Roll Bowls with Ground Pork
Egg roll bowls give you all the flavors of a traditional egg roll without the wrapper. Combine ground pork with crisp cabbage and Asian-inspired seasonings for a quick meal.
Ground pork works perfectly in this recipe because it’s tender, juicy, and absorbs flavors well. It also has enough fat to complement the otherwise lean vegetables.
Prepare this dish in just 15-30 minutes using a single skillet. Stir-fry the ground pork with cabbage, garlic, ginger, and a savory Asian sauce until everything is tender.
Top your bowl with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor. This protein-packed dish makes great leftovers and works well for meal prep.
15. Dirty Rice with Ground Pork
Dirty rice is a flavorful Louisiana Creole dish that gets its name from the dark appearance created by cooking with meat and spices. Traditional versions often use chicken livers, but ground pork makes an excellent substitute.
Sauté ground pork with vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and onions. Add garlic, Cajun seasoning, and cooked white rice to complete the dish.
For extra flavor, add andouille sausage alongside the ground pork. The combination creates a rich, savory meal that’s satisfying enough to serve as a main dish.
You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
16. Dan Dan Noodles with Pork
Dan Dan Noodles is a spicy Sichuan dish that combines slippery noodles with flavorful ground pork. It’s known for its intense, numbing spice and complex flavors.
Make this authentic Chinese meal in just about 10 minutes. The dish features ground pork marinated and cooked with preserved vegetables and spices.
Toss the noodles in a spicy sesame sauce that creates a flavor explosion in your mouth. Most recipes call for about 2 ounces of ground pork and 12 ounces of fresh Chinese noodles (or 6 ounces dried).
17. Sweet and Spicy Pork Meatballs
Sweet and spicy pork meatballs combine savory ground pork with a delicious blend of Asian flavors. You’ll need simple ingredients like ground pork, ginger, garlic, scallions, and chili peppers.
These versatile meatballs work well as an easy weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day. The flavor comes from a balanced mix of spices including salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, and a touch of cayenne.
Some recipes feature a sticky-sweet teriyaki sauce that coats the meatballs after you pan-sear them to perfection. Serve them over rice or noodles for a complete meal, or with toothpicks as an irresistible party snack.
18. Pork and Vegetable Tofu Stir-Fry
Pork and tofu stir-fry is a classic Taiwanese dish that combines simple ingredients for big flavor. You can make this easy meal in just 20 minutes using ground pork, tofu, and vegetables.
The dish typically features firm tofu with ground pork and green vegetables like peas, cabbage, or bok choy. A savory soy sauce marinade coats the ingredients and brings everything together.
Cook your ground pork first, add vegetables and tofu, then finish with a simple sauce. Serve your stir-fry over warm rice for a quick, satisfying meal.
19. Chile Oil Wontons with Pork
Chile oil wontons with pork offer an authentic taste of Sichuan cuisine right in your kitchen. These silky, tender dumplings combine ground pork and shrimp for a flavorful filling.
To make the filling, mix ground pork with chopped green onions, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Some recipes add shrimp for extra texture and flavor.
The spicy chile oil sauce coats the wontons and stars in this dish. This sauce typically blends homemade chile oil with soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic for a perfect balance of heat, savory, and sweet notes.
Serve these wontons as an appetizer or main dish. They’re surprisingly easy to prepare despite their impressive flavor.
20. Bún Chả Vietnamese Pork Bowls
Bún Chả is a famous dish from the streets of Hanoi featuring caramelized ground pork patties served with rice vermicelli noodles. Vietnamese flavors like fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and shallots infuse the pork.
This dish combines juicy pork patties with a punchy dipping sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. Some versions also include slices of caramelized pork belly for extra richness.
To enjoy Bún Chả properly, serve the pork and sauce separately from the vermicelli noodles. Add fresh herbs and vegetables on the side to create a balanced meal.
21. Meatloaf with Ground Pork
Ground pork makes an incredibly juicy and flavorful meatloaf. It’s a welcome change from traditional beef versions and often results in a more tender texture.
You can make meatloaf using only ground pork or combine it with ground turkey or beef for varied flavor. For added taste, mix in minced vegetables like carrots, red bell peppers, and onions.
Many recipes include a tangy sweet glaze on top that caramelizes while baking. Some creative versions incorporate shredded apples or apple butter to complement the pork’s natural flavors.
You can prepare pork meatloaf for weeknight dinners or cook it on the BBQ for a different method.
Understanding Ground Pork
Ground pork is a versatile protein that can transform everyday meals into exciting dishes. This affordable meat offers numerous cooking possibilities while providing essential nutrients.
What Is Ground Pork?
Ground pork comes from pigs and butchers finely chop or grind it. Unlike ground beef, which often comes in different fat percentages, ground pork typically contains about 15-20% fat.
This fat content gives ground pork its juicy texture and rich flavor. You can find ground pork in most supermarkets, often packaged similar to ground beef.
Some butchers grind it fresh upon request, allowing you to choose specific cuts or fat content. Ground pork works well in many cuisines, especially Asian dishes like dumplings and stir-fries.
It also makes excellent meatballs, burgers, and meat sauces. The meat’s mild flavor makes it a great canvas for various seasonings and spices.
Popular Cuts Used for Grinding
Several pork cuts are commonly used for making ground pork, each contributing different qualities to the final product.
Shoulder (Boston Butt): The most popular choice for grinding, with an ideal fat-to-meat ratio that creates juicy, flavorful ground pork.
Picnic Shoulder: Slightly leaner than Boston butt but still has enough fat for good flavor.
Loin: Creates leaner ground pork, ideal for those wanting less fat but still maintaining some flavor.
Belly: Very fatty and often mixed with leaner cuts to add richness and moisture.
Premium ground pork may contain trim from various cuts like tenderloin or chops. For the best flavor, look for freshly ground pork that contains a mix of cuts.
Nutritional Overview
Ground pork provides several important nutrients your body needs.
Protein: A 3-ounce serving contains approximately 22 grams of protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
Vitamins & Minerals:
- Rich in B vitamins, especially thiamine, which supports energy production
- Good source of zinc for immune function
- Contains selenium, an important antioxidant
- Provides iron for healthy blood cells
Fat Content: Regular ground pork contains about 15-20% fat. Leaner options are available but may be less flavorful.
You can reduce fat content by draining after cooking. Combine ground pork with vegetables to create more balanced meals while still enjoying its flavor.
Cooking Tips for Ground Pork Recipes
Ground pork offers great flavor and versatility in the kitchen. Selecting quality meat, handling it properly, and knowing which flavors complement it best help you get the best results.
How to Select Quality Ground Pork
Look for ground pork with a pinkish-gray color and small white flecks of fat throughout. The meat should appear moist but not wet or slimy.
For best flavor, choose ground pork that’s 80-85% lean. This fat content helps keep dishes juicy and flavorful.
Check packaging dates carefully. Use fresh ground pork within 1-2 days of purchase.
If the package has any tears or excessive liquid, skip it. Consider the source when possible—pasture-raised pork often has better flavor.
Some butchers will grind pork to order, allowing you to select specific cuts like shoulder (more fat) or loin (leaner). Ask your butcher about the grind size.
Coarser grinds work better for burgers and meatballs, while finer grinds are ideal for sauces and dumplings.
Safe Handling and Storage Best Practices
Keep ground pork refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C). Use it within 1-2 days of purchase or freeze it for later use.
When freezing, wrap the meat tightly in freezer-safe packaging to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, ground pork can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen ground pork in the refrigerator, never on the counter. Plan ahead as thawing may take 24 hours.
Always wash your hands before and after handling raw pork. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat.
Cook ground pork to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safely cooked.
Flavor Pairing Ideas
Ground pork pairs beautifully with many ingredients. Try these combinations:
Asian flavors:
- Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and scallions
- Five-spice powder, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil
- Lemongrass, fish sauce, lime, and chili
Mediterranean options:
- Oregano, basil, garlic, and tomatoes
- Fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, and rosemary
- Cinnamon, cumin, and allspice for Middle Eastern dishes
Sweet elements like apple, maple syrup, or brown sugar balance pork’s richness. Add diced apples to pork burgers or a touch of maple to breakfast sausage.
Acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice cut through the fat. Add a splash of rice vinegar to stir-fries or lemon juice to meatballs.
