25 Easy Leftover Pork Recipes To Carry You Through The Week

Pulled Pork Nachos
Photo: Antonis Achilleos

Others may just see a Tupperware of leftover pork, but we see a world of delicious possibilities. Pork, known for its speedy cooking time, is a great alternative to chicken or beef for a big family meal. The best part is that it can be prepared in so many different ways—from roasted on a sheet pan to smoked or slow-cooked, the ways to cook pork are endless.

If you've cooked a big meal and want some extra meat to carry you through the week, try giving your leftover pork new life with these delicious recipes. Leftovers don't have to be bland—the proof? All of these creative dishes start with scraps. Transform your leftovers into something entirely new with these clever recipes. Whether you're looking for a new soup to cozy up to in the winter (try our Green Chile Pork Stew) or a quick snack during the week (let us introduce you to Pulled Pork Nachos), you can have your pick with these tasty and savory ways to use leftover pork. From leftover pork chop recipes to new ways with extra tenderloin, these scrappy recipes help you reduce food waste and stretch out that cut of meat.

01 of 25

Quesadillas al Pastor

Quesadillas Al Pastor
Skyler Burt

Pineapple, red onion, and smoked pork come together in this flavorful quesadilla recipe the whole family will love.

02 of 25

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This easy recipe is a two-for-one Southern delight. Smoked pork and rich macaroni create a memorable dish you'll make again and again.

03 of 25

Instant Pot Pulled Pork Chili

pulled pork chili
Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke

Let the instant pot do with work in this irresistibly delicious pulled pork chili.

04 of 25

Grit Cakes with Pork Grillades

Grit Cakes with Pork Grillades
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Crunchy grit cakes serve as a hearty base for savory pork stew in this simple yet tasty recipe.

05 of 25

Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Greg DuPree

Homemade Carolina-style vinegar sauce makes this pulled pork sandwich the ultimate game-day recipe.

06 of 25

Pork Tenderloin Sliders

Pork Tenderloin Sliders
Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

With leftovers, it's never been easier to make Pork Tenderloin Sliders for lunch.

07 of 25

Smoked-Pork-Stuffed Pasta Shells

Smoked-Pork-Stuffed Pasta Shells
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Weeknight dinner just got a whole lot easier with this cheesy pork pasta bake.

08 of 25

Smoked Pork Butt Sandwich

Smoked Pork Butt Sandwich
Southern Living

Tangy BBQ and coleslaw makes the ultimate savory combination into a one-of-a-kind sandwich.

09 of 25

Pork Chili Verde

Smoky Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili
Hector M Sanchez

Cozy on up to this Mexican infused pork chili.

10 of 25

Caramelized Onion, Spinach, and Pork Strata

Caramelized Onion, Spinach, and Pork Strata
Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Pork for breakfast? Sign us up! Pork, caramelized onion, and spinach unite to create the creamiest breakfast casserole.

11 of 25

Pork Carnitas Nachos

Pork Carnitas Nachos
Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

The perfect light appetizer to serve at tailgate parties or neighborhood gatherings.

12 of 25

Pork-and-Farro Bowl with Warm Brussels Sprouts-Fennel Salad

Pork-and-Farro Bowl with Warm Brussels Sprouts-Fennel Salad
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This healthy and fulfilling meal is made for the winter months.

13 of 25

Italian-Style Grits and Greens with Pulled Pork and Mushrooms

Italian-Style Grits and Greens with Pulled Pork and Mushrooms
Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Pulled pork rests on top of creamy grits to create the most delicious breakfast.

14 of 25

Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa

Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa
Greg Dupree

These tasty slow-cooker tacos have us convinced that every day should be taco day.

15 of 25

Pork and Bok Choy Stir-Fry

Pork and Bok Choy Stir-Fry
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Take your leftover pork tenderloin and create this easy stir-fry dish.

16 of 25

Green Chile Pork Stew

Green Chile Pork Stew
Southern Living

Cook up a big batch of this savory pork stew and store the leftovers in the freezer for an easy weeknight meal.

17 of 25

BBQ Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes

BBQ Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes
Greg DuPree

Pork filled potatoes transforms this simple side into a fulfilling meal.

18 of 25

Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw

Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw
Hector Manuel Sanchez

We created savory bite-sized snacks out of biscuits and pulled pork.

19 of 25

Southwest Pork Stew

Southwest Pork Stew
Alison Miksch

To make this stew even easier, pick up pulled pork from your favorite BBQ joint.

20 of 25

Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos Al Pastor with All the Fixings

Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos Al Pastor with All the Fixings
Greg Dupree

Pork serves as the main feature in this fully stocked taco bar.

21 of 25

Pulled Pork Nachos

Pulled Pork Nachos
Antonis Achilleos

These Pulled Pork Nachos are packed with fresh ingredients like avocado, corn, and tomatoes to create the easiest tailgate food ever.

22 of 25

Split-Top Mini Barbecue Sandwiches

Split-Top Mini Barbecue Sandwiches
Photographer: Alison Miksch / Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn / Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

Load up some soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls with leftover pulled pork. With the pork simmered in a spicy and smoky chipotle sauce, no one will ever know these sandwiches were made from leftovers.

23 of 25

Pork Noodle Bowls

Pork Noodle Bowls
Iain Bagwell; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Pair shredded pork with rice noodles and a flavorful broth for a warm bowl of comfort perfect for a winter night.

24 of 25

Chalupa Dinner Bowl

Chalupa Dinner Bowl
Charles Walton IV

Infuse leftover pork with extra flavor, slow cooking it with green chiles, lots of spices, and pinto beans for a hearty dinner that is anything but boring.

25 of 25

Pork Fried Rice

Pork Fried Rice
Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Loaded with leftover pork, this fried rice is both filling and thanks to the green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil, extra flavorful.

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