This Pork and Sweet Potato Skillet is a warm dish full of flavor! Juicy pork pairs perfectly with crispy sweet potatoes and colorful veggies, making dinner a little brighter.
Cooking this meal is super easy—you just toss everything in one pan and let it bubble away. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate, and I love that it cleans up quickly too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork tenderloin is lean and cooks quickly, but you could use pork shoulder for a slightly richer flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breast works well too!
Sweet Potatoes: These add a natural sweetness and creaminess. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash can be a good substitute.
Onion: A large onion provides great flavor. Red or yellow onions will work, but I love the mild sweetness of yellow onions for this dish.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice depth and warmth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for heat can also work. Ground cinnamon can add a lovely twist if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do You Get the Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking sweet potatoes to the right texture can be tricky. You want them tender but not mushy. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even cubes so they cook at the same rate.
- Be patient! Cook them over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help them brown and soften nicely.
- If they’re browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. This way, they can cook through without burning.
Following these steps makes a big difference, ensuring they complement the pork perfectly!
Pork And Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin or pork loin, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Seasoning and Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish
- Green beans or another green vegetable, steamed or blanched, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Pork and Sweet Potato Skillet takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and cooking the ingredients together in just one skillet, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so they cook evenly. You’re looking for them to soften and get a bit golden. Once they’re ready, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent and start to soften.
3. Add the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another 30 seconds. This will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
4. Cook the Pork:
Add the cubed pork to the skillet. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme. Cook, stirring frequently to ensure everything is well mixed, until the pork is browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
5. Combine Everything:
Now, return the sweet potatoes to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine. Let it cook together for another 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld and ensure the sweet potatoes are fully tender.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste your skillet mix and adjust any seasoning if necessary. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or seasoning based on your taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the delicious pork and sweet potato mixture alongside steamed green beans or your favorite green veggie. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for a lovely finish. Enjoy your hearty one-pan meal!
Can I Use Ground Pork Instead of Cubed Pork?
Absolutely! If you prefer ground pork, simply brown it in the skillet and break it up with a spatula while cooking. The cooking time may be a bit shorter—around 5-6 minutes—just ensure it’s fully cooked through before proceeding with the recipe.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep things moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Skillet?
Certainly! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just chop them into similar sizes to the sweet potatoes so they cook evenly, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed based on their tenderness.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions. Alternatively, swapping smoked paprika for hot paprika can give the dish that extra kick without altering the flavor profile too much!
