Healthy Family Meals with Lean Pork

    Back to Healthy Family Meals with Lean Pork

    By: Jacqueline Gomes, RD, MBA

    Getting back into a family meal routine doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. One easy way to bring more balance to the table is by choosing lean pork, a protein that’s both nutritious and budget-friendly.

    Pork is packed with high-quality protein to keep you satisfied and energized. Cuts like pork tenderloin are lean, flavorful, and often more affordable than other proteins making them a smart choice for families looking to eat well without overspending.

    Perfect Pairings

    Fresh pork pairs beautifully with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Think roasted pork with apples, a stir-fry loaded with colorful veggies, or a tenderloin served alongside quinoa or brown rice. These combinations make it easy to build meals that are both delicious and nutritious.

    Easy & Versatile

    Whether you’re grilling on the weekend, roasting a quick sheet pan dinner, or tossing ingredients into the slow cooker, pork adapts to any cooking style. Its mild flavor means the whole family can enjoy it… picky eaters included!

    Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Fall Vegetables

    Sheet Pan Pork Chops

    Prep:  10 minutes

    Cook: 30 minutes

    Makes: 4 servings

    Ingredients:

    • 4 Bone-in Center Cut Pork Chops
    • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 3 cups brussels sprouts, halved
    • 3 cups cubed butternut squash
    • 1 large sweet onion, sliced thick
    • 12 whole mini peppers

    Directions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
    2. In a large bowl, combine salt, pepper, rosemary, and oil. Mix well.
    3. Rub pork chops with 2 tbsp of the oil mixture, then place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and set aside.
    4. Toss brussels sprouts, butternut squash, onion wedges, and whole peppers with remaining oil mixture, season with salt and spread out on a sheet tray lined with aluminum foil.
    5. Place vegetables on bottom rack and cook for 20 minutes.
    6. After 10 minutes have passed, place pork chops on top oven rack and cook for 10 minutes until pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
    7. Remove vegetables and pork chops from oven. Pour the pork pan juices into a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook to reduce the juices for 2 to 4 minutes.
    8. Place pork chops over vegetables and pour reduced pan juices over chops. Serve immediately.

    Recipe by Jacqueline Gomes, RD, MBA