This Pork and Sweet Potato Skillet is a warm and hearty dish that brings together tender pork and sweet, creamy potatoes. It’s packed with flavor and cooked all in one pan!
I love how quick it is to make—perfect for those busy nights. Plus, the sweet potatoes add a nice touch of sweetness, making it a hit with everyone at the dinner table! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean and cooks quickly, making it great for this dish. If you’re looking for alternatives, boneless chicken thighs or turkey breast could work, but adjust cooking times accordingly as they may cook faster or slower.
Sweet Potatoes: These add great sweetness and nutrition. If sweet potatoes aren’t available, regular potatoes or butternut squash can be good substitutes. Just note that cooking times might vary slightly!
Onion and Garlic: They provide a wonderful flavor base. You can swap yellow onions for red or shallots, and garlic powder can replace fresh garlic if needed. Just use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Olive Oil: Using olive oil helps with heart health but can be swapped with vegetable oil or avocado oil. I’d recommend avocado oil for a similar flavor and high cooking temperature.
How Do I Ensure My Sweet Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Roasting sweet potatoes is key to bringing out their natural sweetness and getting that lovely caramelization. Here are some tips:
- Cut sweet potatoes evenly into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Toss them well with oil and seasoning so every piece is coated. This helps with flavor and browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of roast.
- Check for doneness by poking with a fork; they should be tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
With these tips, your sweet potatoes will be a delicious part of this skillet dish!
Pork And Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup green beans, steamed or blanched (optional side)
Time Needed
This delicious skillet takes about 40 minutes total to prepare and cook—around 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week!
Instructions
1. Roast The Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika and cumin. Spread the sweet potatoes out evenly on a baking sheet. Roast them for about 20 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Cook the Pork:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed pork tenderloin to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and the rest of the smoked paprika and cumin. Cook everything for about 5-7 minutes, making sure to turn the pork occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through.
3. Add Onion and Garlic:
Next, stir in the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the pork. Sauté this mixture for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions soften and become translucent.
4. Combine Everything:
Once your sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection, carefully add them to the skillet with the pork and onions. Stir everything gently to combine and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes so all the flavors meld together nicely.
5. Garnish and Serve:
For the finishing touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the Pork and Sweet Potato Skillet hot, alongside steamed or blanched green beans if you desire a complete meal.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Pork and Sweet Potato Skillet!
Can I Use Different Cut of Pork for This Skillet?
Absolutely! While pork tenderloin works best for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can use boneless pork chops or even chicken breast if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed since different cuts can cook at varying rates.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time! You can chop the sweet potatoes and onions, and even cube the pork the day before. Store the ingredients separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the instructions starting from roasting the sweet potatoes.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Pork and Sweet Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist while reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. You can toss them in with the onions and garlic for added flavor and nutrition!
