This Pork and Sweet Potato Skillet is a super tasty one-pan dish! You’ve got juicy pork, sweet and creamy potatoes, plus a touch of seasonings all cooked together for a perfect meal.
Cooking in one pan means less mess and more time to enjoy your food! I love how the sweet potatoes get a little crispy while the pork stays tender—it’s a cozy dinner everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean and cooks quickly, making it perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a substitute, chicken breast or beef sirloin can work well too!
Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the savory pork beautifully. You could swap them for butternut squash or regular potatoes if sweet potatoes aren’t available.
Onion: Yellow onions add a nice sweetness when caramelized, but you can use red or white onions if that’s what you have on hand. They all add flavor!
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a lovely depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can bring a nice kick!
How Do I Get the Perfect Browning on My Pork?
Browning the pork is key to adding flavor. Start by heating your skillet well before adding the pork — this ensures it sizzles right away.
- Cut the pork into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; if needed, cook in batches. Crowded meat steams instead of browning!
- Let the pork sear without moving it for the first few minutes. This builds up that delicious crust.
Once you’re done, don’t forget to scrape the pan for those flavorful bits—great for your sauce!
Pork And Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (plus extra fresh thyme for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water (optional, for deglazing)
- Green beans or another vegetable, steamed (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and another 25 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sweet potato cubes, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and lightly brown. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sear the Pork:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Now add the pork cubes. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sear the pork for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until it is browned all over.
3. Add Onions and Combine:
Next, stir in the sliced onions with the pork. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the onions are soft and caramelized. After that, return the sweet potatoes to the skillet and mix everything well.
4. Create a Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like some sauce, now is the time to add the chicken broth or water. Stir and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Allow everything to cook together for another 3-5 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and the pork is fully cooked.
5. Final Touches:
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Finish by garnishing with fresh thyme leaves. Serve hot with steamed green beans or your favorite vegetable on the side.
Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Pork and Sweet Potato Skillet!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat in This Skillet?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs will work great as substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat, ensuring it’s fully cooked before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Sweet Potatoes?
No problem! You can easily swap in regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even carrots. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the vegetable you choose.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or any other vegetables you enjoy. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and toss them in with the onions.