Ground pork is one of the most versatile and underused proteins in the kitchen! Whether you’re craving a quick stir-fry, juicy burgers, flavorful meatballs, or hearty soups, this collection of gluten-free ground pork recipes has something for every occasion. It’s a fantastic alternative to beef or chicken, offering rich flavor and a perfect texture for easy weeknight meals. Get ready to add some of these recipes to your meal rotation!
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If you are looking for more meal ideas, you will want to check out my round-up of gluten free chicken recipes because you can never have enough easy gluten free dinner recipes to make.
These are easy ground pork recipes, and many are perfect for busy weeknights.
How to Brown Ground Pork Perfectly:
Browning ground meat is easy. Add it to a cast-iron skillet or regular skillet and cook it on medium heat. Use a spatula to break apart the ground pork as it cooks so that it forms crumbles or chunks. Try this for the best cooking technique for maximum flavor:
- Preheat the pan. Start with a dry pan over medium-high heat to allow for better browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the meat.
- Let it sear before stirring. Allow the pork to develop a golden crust before breaking it apart.
- Drain grease properly!! Instead of just a dish, suggest using a heatproof container lined with foil (so it can be tossed once the grease solidifies). *NOTE: Do NOT pour the grease down the kitchen drain because it will harden along your kitchen pipes.
How do I make ground pork leaner?
If you’re looking to cut back on fat, here are a few tips to help make your ground pork recipes leaner:
- Drain off excess grease after browning as described above.
- Mix ground pork 50-50 with leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken.
- Look for extra-lean ground pork, which is available at some butcher shops.
Is ground pork meat at local grocery stores?
Most grocery stores sell ground pork in the same meat department section as ground beef and other meats. I also love Costco ground pork. You can buy it in three packs, so you always have ground pork on hand for recipes.
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How do you defrost ground pork?
Defrosting ground meat is easy. There are three ways I recommend defrosting:
- Place the package of frozen ground meat on a plate and let it defrost in the refrigerator for 2 days. This takes a little more time but is the easiest way to defrost ground pork.
- Put the meat in the package in the sink and let a slow drip (or teeny tiny stream) of cool water drop onto it. Let it sit under the drip for 15 minutes, and then check to see if it is softened enough to remove from the package and cook.
- If you are in a big hurry, add the frozen meat to a skillet and cook over medium heat, frequently turning the cooked sides off. This is fast for cooking the pork, but you won’t be able to make meatballs or meatloaf using this method.
How long do pork leftovers keep fresh?
Store any ground pork leftovers in an airtight container. It should keep fresh for up to 4 days. You can also freeze meals with ground pork and freeze them in freezer-safe containers for up to 4 months.
Can I season ground pork differently than ground beef?
Of course! I highly recommend experimenting! While ground beef pairs well with bold, smoky flavors, ground pork shines with:
- Asian spices like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, five-spice.
- Mediterranean flavors, including oregano, lemon, garlic, and olive oil.
- Sweet & savory pairings like apples, maple, and ground cinnamon. I love pairing pork with fresh berries as I did in my Grilled Pork Chops with Blackberry Thyme Sauce.
Want more pork recipes? Try some of these:
- BBQ Grilled Pork Ribs (Pictured above.)
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Grilled Pork Street Tacos
- Easy Grilled Pork Chops
The Best Ground Pork Recipes:
