Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's both easy to make and bursting with authentic Mexican flavors? Look no further! This recipe for Mexican ground pork is your ticket to a quick dinner, a healthy meal, and a fantastic homemade cooking experience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and adaptable to your taste. Get ready for a flavor fiesta!
Ingredients: What You'll Need for this Delicious Dish
This recipe serves 4-6 people and requires readily available ingredients.
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Tortillas, rice, or your favorite sides
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Mexican Ground Pork Perfection
Let's get cooking! This easy recipe is broken down into simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Pork
Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Simmer the Flavor
Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with warm tortillas, rice, your favorite Mexican sides, or even a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
Cooking Tips for the Best Mexican Ground Pork
- For extra depth of flavor: Consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the garlic.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness. A dash of your favorite hot sauce also works wonders!
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this delicious ground pork over rice or quinoa for a more substantial and healthy meal.
- Meal prep friendly: This recipe is great for meal prepping. Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for quick and easy dinners.
Variations: Customize Your Mexican Ground Pork
- Taco Tuesday upgrade: Use this ground pork as a filling for tacos, adding your preferred toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
- Burrito bowl bliss: Serve over rice with your favorite burrito bowl toppings like black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa.
- Enchilada magic: Use the ground pork as a filling for enchiladas for a truly delightful meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. This is an estimate for a 1/4 of the recipe.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Mexican ground pork recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that are both healthy and delicious. Enjoy this easy recipe and the best recipes your family will love! It’s a perfect option for homemade cooking that satisfies any craving for authentic Mexican flavors.