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    Home / Roundups

    27 Pork Recipes That Are Way Better Than You Remember

    By Lisa MarcAurele · May 21, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    A collage of pork dishes—pork with green beans, saucy pork over rice, and a spoonful of corn casserole—with the text "27 Pork Recipes That Are Way Better Than You Remember" in the center.

    I’ve had my fair share of pork recipes over the years, and I can honestly say these are the ones that changed the way I think about cooking pork at home. They’re quick enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to feel like something special. If it’s been a while since you’ve really enjoyed a pork dish, these are exactly what you need.

    A bowl of seafood and sausage gumbo with a spoon, served on a white surface with a red checked napkin beside it.
    Fish Stew with Chorizo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Pancit Bihon Guisado

    A fork lifting a portion of chicken and noodles from a bowl of stir-fry.
    Pancit Bihon Guisado. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This noodle dish brings together tender strips of pork with vegetables and light rice noodles for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t drag. It’s quick to throw together and works well for leftovers the next day. The pork adds depth and turns this into something more filling than you might expect from a stir-fry. This is one of those dishes that proves pork recipes don’t have to feel old-fashioned or boring. It’s easy to make, uses pantry ingredients, and works for both lunch and dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon Guisado

    Ground Pork Tacos

    Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
    Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These tacos come together fast, making them perfect for weeknights when time is short. Ground pork soaks up seasoning well, giving each bite more flavor than you’d get with leaner meats. They’re simple enough for anyone to make but still feel like something a little more special than usual. This is a great example of how pork can make dinner feel fresh again. You can pair them with any toppings you like, and they cook in under 30 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage

    Minestrone Soup with Sausage in white bowl with spoonful.
    Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Hearty and packed with vegetables, this soup gets extra warmth from the sausage. It’s the kind of meal that works well for chilly evenings or when you want something filling without a lot of work. The pork sausage adds a richness that turns a simple soup into something you’ll look forward to making again. It’s a reminder that pork dishes can still surprise you. Plus, it reheats well for lunches later in the week.
    Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

    Breakfast Chorizo Burrito

    A close-up image of a sliced breakfast burrito filled with seasoned meat and eggs served on a white plate with avocado slices and dipping sauce in the background.
    Breakfast Chorizo Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This quick breakfast is wrapped up and ready to go, thanks to flavorful pork chorizo. It’s easy to prep ahead and keeps you full until lunch. The spicy sausage brings in bold flavor without needing a long list of ingredients. Pork really holds its own here and makes this more than just another breakfast wrap. You can freeze extras for mornings when you don’t want to think too hard.
    Get the Recipe: Breakfast Chorizo Burrito

    Breaded Panko Pork Chops

    Panko pork chop on plate with greens.
    Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these chops are a weeknight staple for a reason. The panko gives them a crunch that keeps things interesting, especially if you're tired of plain pork. They bake up quickly and don’t need a lot of cleanup. This kind of meal shows that pork can hold up just fine on its own. Serve it with a side of veggies or potatoes, and dinner’s done.
    Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

    Fish Stew with Chorizo

    A bowl of soup with sausage and fish.
    Fish Stew with Chorizo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This stew brings a different spin to pork by pairing spicy chorizo with seafood. It’s a one-pot dinner that doesn’t take long but feels a bit more put together. The chorizo balances the lighter fish and gives the broth a bold, rich base. Meals like this remind you why pork keeps showing up in comforting family dishes. It’s especially good on colder nights when you want something hearty without being too heavy.
    Get the Recipe: Fish Stew with Chorizo

    Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

    A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans.
    Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These pork chops come packed with a savory stuffing that makes them feel like more than your usual dinner. They go in the oven and come out juicy with a little crunch on top. You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this feel like a solid main course. Pork doesn’t fade into the background here—it’s the star. This one’s a good choice when you want a dinner that feels a little more put together.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

    Ground Pork Burgers

    Close-up of  grilled pork burger patties stacked on a white plate.
    Ground Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These burgers are juicy and quick to make, perfect for switching things up from beef. Ground pork gives you a lot of flavor and stays tender when cooked right. You can season them any way you like or keep it simple. This recipe is proof that pork burgers deserve a spot in your dinner rotation. They’re great on a bun or even just served with a side salad.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

    Filipino Spaghetti

    A bowl of spaghetti topped with a rich meat sauce placed on a red and white checkered tablecloth.
    Filipino Spaghetti. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This sweet and savory version of spaghetti features ground pork and hot dogs in a rich, tomato-based sauce. It’s a comfort food classic that’s quick to pull together and a hit with kids and adults. The pork gives the sauce more body, making it a filling meal on its own. It’s a good example of how pork shows up in all kinds of unexpected places. Leftovers reheat well, so nothing goes to waste.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Spaghetti

    Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

    Two cabbage rolls on a plate with fork.
    Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These cabbage rolls are filled with ground pork and rice, then baked in tomato sauce until tender. They take a bit of prep but cook up into a hearty, full meal. Pork gives the filling a rich flavor that works especially well with the sauce. It’s a throwback dish that still holds up for busy weeknights or freezer meals. If you’re looking to bring pork into more old-school recipes, this one’s worth keeping around.
    Get the Recipe: Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

    Hawaiian Roll Sliders

    A close-up image of a platter of ham and cheese slider sandwiches sprinkled with poppy seeds and garnished with chopped herbs.
    Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These small sandwiches are packed with pork and come together fast for lunch or party snacks. You can prep them ahead and warm them up when you’re ready to eat. Pork works well here because it stays juicy and holds up to the rolls and cheese. It’s a fun, easy way to bring pork into casual meals. This kind of recipe proves pork doesn’t need much to be memorable.
    Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

    Navy Bean and Ham Soup

    A bowl of bean soup with chunks of ham and diced vegetables, served in a rustic terracotta bowl with a spoon on the side.
    Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This slow-cooked soup makes use of leftover ham and white beans for something hearty and easy. It simmers for hours, filling the kitchen with good smells and giving the pork time to shine. The ham adds depth that plain beans just don’t have. It’s a reliable meal that shows how pork works so well in soups and stews. You can make a big batch and eat it through the week.
    Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

    Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    A bowl of bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages served on a bed of fresh green herbs.
    Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These bite-sized snacks are easy to throw together for game days or gatherings. Wrapping the sausages in bacon makes them crisp and rich without a lot of effort. They bake up in the oven and don’t require any fancy tools. This is one of those simple recipes that makes you remember how good pork can be with just a few ingredients. They disappear fast, so you might want to make extra.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    Pan-Fried Pork Chops

    Pork chops on a plate with rosemary sprigs.
    Pan-Fried Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These pork chops are cooked on the stovetop, giving you a crisp sear in under 20 minutes. They’re simple but far from boring when seasoned well. Pork takes the lead here and doesn’t need a long cook time to turn out juicy. It’s a quick dinner that can fit into even the busiest evenings. A go-to example of how pork can be both easy and worth making.
    Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

    Oven Baked Pork Steaks

    Oven baked pork steak on a plate with green beans and a fork on the side.
    Oven Baked Pork Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These pork steaks go straight into the oven and come out tender with minimal cleanup. The longer baking time gives them a deep, hearty flavor. This is the kind of meal that works well for family dinners or batch cooking. Pork doesn’t get lost in the shuffle here—it’s bold and filling. You don’t need anything fancy to make them feel like a proper meal.
    Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Pork Steaks

    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Bacon wrapped pineapple on a white plate.
    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Sweet pineapple wrapped in crispy bacon cooks up fast in the air fryer. The salty-sweet mix makes this snack easy to like and even easier to serve at parties. The bacon crisps up quickly without a lot of mess. This combo reminds you how pork can work with more than just the usual flavors. It’s fun to eat and perfect when you want something a little different.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

    Pork tenderloin on a cutting board next to a slow cooker.
    Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This pork loin cooks low and slow, staying juicy and full of flavor. It takes just a few minutes of prep before the slow cooker handles the rest. The end result is a tender cut that works well for dinners or sandwiches later on. It’s the kind of dish that makes pork feel fresh again. Plus, you’ll have plenty of leftovers for busy nights.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This simple dish pairs crispy bacon with tender cabbage wedges in the air fryer. It’s quick, hands-off, and doesn’t need much seasoning to work. Pork brings the flavor, while the cabbage keeps things balanced. Meals like this are great when you want something warm without a lot of effort. It’s a side dish that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Ground Pork Stir Fry

    A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice.
    Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This stir fry is packed with vegetables and quick-cooking ground pork. It’s done in under 30 minutes and works well for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Pork takes on the sauce easily, giving the whole dish more flavor without much work. It’s a great way to bring pork into your regular rotation without a lot of extra effort. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

    Air Fried Ham with Glaze

    Sliced roasted ham garnished with sprigs of rosemary on a white plate.
    Air Fried Ham with Glaze. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This ham cooks quickly in the air fryer and gets a sweet glaze that crisps up nicely. It’s a good option when you want something warm and filling without using the oven. Pork stands out here, even with minimal ingredients. Recipes like this show how pork can still feel like a treat even on a regular weeknight. It’s easy to slice and serve with just about any side.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fried Ham with Glaze

    Slow Cooker Pork Roast

    A plate with roasted pork, sliced carrots, and potatoes on a woven mat, with a fork and knife beside the dish. A slow cooker is partially visible in the background.
    Slow Cooker Pork Roast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This roast simmers for hours until it’s tender enough to pull apart with a fork. The slow cooker makes it simple to prep ahead and walk away. Pork holds up well in long cooks like this, picking up all the flavors in the pot. Meals like this show how pork can be more than just an add-on. It’s a full dinner with leftovers that work well all week.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Roast

    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

    A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket.
    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These crispy pork belly bites come together fast in the air fryer. They’re rich, crunchy, and make for a bold snack or side. The pork brings plenty of flavor on its own, so you don’t need much else. This is one of those recipes that reminds you how much pork can do with very little effort. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

    Air Fryer Lumpia

    Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce.
    Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These crispy Filipino rolls are filled with seasoned pork and air-fried until golden. They’re great as snacks or appetizers and cook quickly without oil splatter. Pork works especially well here because it stays juicy even after frying. These little rolls are a good example of how pork can shine in smaller bites. Make a batch and keep extras in the freezer for later.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

    Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

    Sliced ham with orange slices and grapes, garnished with parsley on a platter.
    Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This ham gets a sweet citrus glaze and cooks fast in the air fryer. The outside crisps up while the inside stays tender. Pork picks up the orange flavor well, making this more interesting than your usual weeknight dinner. It’s an easy way to make pork feel new again. Good for dinners that don’t need a lot of prep or cleanup.
    Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Air Fryer Ham

    Biscuit Breakfast Casserole

    A white bowl filled with a cheesy, layered casserole topped with melted cheddar cheese and chopped green onions.
    Biscuit Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This breakfast bake uses pork sausage, eggs, and biscuits in one easy dish. It’s perfect for weekends or holiday mornings when you want something hearty. The sausage gives it more flavor and helps fill everyone up. Pork fits right into this kind of all-in-one meal. You can prep it the night before and bake it when you’re ready.
    Get the Recipe: Biscuit Breakfast Casserole

    Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

    Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate.
    Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These ribs cook up in the air fryer with crispy edges and juicy centers. They’re ready in less time than oven or grill versions. Pork ribs hold their own with just a bit of seasoning or sauce. It’s a great way to get bold flavor without standing over a grill. A solid reminder of why pork is still a go-to for casual dinners.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

    Slow Cooker Pork Chops

    Slow cooker pork chops with rice and sauce on a plate.
    Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These pork chops cook slowly in sauce until they’re tender and packed with flavor. The prep is minimal, and the end result is something worth coming home to. Pork holds up well to long cooking times and doesn’t dry out here. It’s the kind of meal that makes pork feel like a smart dinner choice again. Serve them with rice or mashed potatoes and call it done.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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