Tired of complicated dinners that take forever to prepare? Craving a healthy and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This easy sheet pan pork loin recipe is your new weeknight go-to. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy families or anyone who appreciates a simple yet satisfying homemade meal. This recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, all rolled into one delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1.5-2 lb boneless pork loin roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, cut into wedges
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Loin
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture all over the pork loin, ensuring it's evenly coated. This simple seasoning blend elevates the natural flavor of the pork.
Step 2: Arrange on the Sheet Pan
Place the potatoes, carrots, and onion wedges on a large baking sheet. Arrange the seasoned pork loin on top of the vegetables. Tuck the lemon slices around the pork and vegetables. Using a single sheet pan simplifies cooking and cleanup – a major benefit for those seeking easy recipes.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the vegetables are tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked through. This guarantees a juicy and safe meal every time.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the pork loin rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork loin. Serve immediately with the roasted vegetables.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork loin for a few hours or overnight in your favorite marinade.
- Don’t overcrowd the sheet pan. Ensure the vegetables and pork loin have enough space for even cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to your sheet pan, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers.
- If your vegetables are cooking faster than the pork, you can loosely tent the sheet pan with foil to slow down their cooking.
Variations:
- Herby Pork Loin: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to the seasoning mixture for a fragrant twist.
- Spicy Pork Loin: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Honey Garlic Pork Loin: Drizzle the pork loin with honey and soy sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a sweet and savory glaze.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This sheet pan pork loin dinner is a delicious and healthy meal perfect for any night of the week. It's a testament to how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be. Enjoy!