This post is sponsored by The National Pork Board, but all opinions are 100% my own.
Times are certainly different these days and that means our methods of cooking have altered slightly since we are making our groceries last as long as possible. Pantry cooking has become more important than ever as we are all staying home more and I am all about making meals out of ingredients that I already have on hand. One of my favorite proteins to keep stocked in my freezer is pork which is why I have partnered with The National Pork Board to create a family friendly dinner that is cost effective and can be made with ingredients that you already have in your kitchen. Taco bowls are one of my favorite go-to dinners when I want to whip up a nourishing and comforting meal for my family and I love that I can swap ingredients based on what I have on hand each week. My ground pork taco bowls are made with ingredients that I always have stocked in my fridge and pantry and are so delicious and satisfying.
One positive to this whole situation that we are all in together is that now is the time to really get the whole family in the kitchen. It’s a great opportunity to teach your kids more about cooking and I always find when my son helps me with a recipe, he eats it so much better too. Pork is such a great protein to cook with because it is so versatile. The options are endless as to what you can make with pork and it truly can take on any flavors that you are in the mood for. From grilling chops, making a roast, Asian lettuce wraps, and of course one of my family’s favorites is always tacos. My ground pork taco bowls are one of those recipes that are perfect for letting kiddos help prepare too and the best part is, leftovers can be made into a whole other meal.
I like taking the leftovers from my ground pork taco bowls and turning them into nachos, quesadillas, taco salads, or even a taco soup! There are truly so many options for making this one meal and turning into multiple meals with a few new ingredients. Pork is also budget friendly on top of being delicious, and it can really help stretch your food dollar during these times of uncertainty. If you are having to be selective on which proteins you stock your freezer with when you go to the grocery, I cannot recommend pork enough as my top pick.
For these ground pork taco bowls I season up some ground pork with spices that I keep on hand like chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper and then sauté it up until the flavors have combined. I serve it over a bowl of kitchen staples like rice, beans, salsa, and if I have it fresh avocado and cilantro. The recipe couldn’t be any easier to make and it’s a family favorite at my house. I like to serve these bowls family style, so that everyone can create their own bowls based on what ingredients they like the most in them! It’s another fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen with you and they feel invested in their taco bowl creations which usually means they will gobble it right up!
For more pork recipe inspiration, you can find more pantry friendly meals from The National Pork Board. Here are a few of my favorites:
Ingredients:
1 Lb. Ground Pork
1 Tbsp. Avocado Oil (or another flavorless oil)
1/2 Cup Finely Diced Onion
2 Finely Minced Garlic Cloves (can use 1/4 Tsp. garlic powder instead)
1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
1 Tsp. Cumin Powder
1 Tsp. Paprika
1 Tsp. Salt
1/2 Tsp. Black Pepper
1/4 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper (optional if you want to reduce spiciness)
1, 15 Oz. Can of Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
2 Cups Cooked Rice
1/4 Cup Water
Note: You can sub pinto beans for black beans, brown rice for white rice etc based upon what you have in your pantry!
Optional Toppings:
Avocado
Cilantro
Salsa
Tomatoes
Red Onion
Jalapeños
Lime Wedges
Directions:
Heat a skillet over medium high heat and add oil.
Add pork into the skillet and begin to brown about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add in onion and garlic at this time and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes until onions begin to soften.
Add in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne and stir to combine spices with the meat and cook for another 2 minutes to cook spices.
Add 1/4 Cup of water at this time and mix to combine. Place lid on the skillet and let cook for another 10-15 minutes until flavors have combined and pork is cooked through.
When the pork is cooked through, layer rice and beans in the bottom of bowls and then add some of the taco pork meat on top.
Top the bowls with desired toppings and serve immediately.
My family gobbles these taco bowls up every single time I make them and I know your family is going to love them too!
