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  5. 25 Easy Leftover Pork Recipes To Carry You Through The Week

25 Easy Leftover Pork Recipes To Carry You Through The Week

Southern Living May 2021 Cover
By Southern Living Editors Updated September 28, 2021
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Pulled Pork Nachos
Credit: 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 ham or beef tenderloin 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.

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Quesadillas al Pastor

Quesadillas Al Pastor
Credit: Skyler Burt

Recipe: Quesadillas al Pastor

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

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Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

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

Recipe: Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

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. 

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Instant Pot Pulled Pork Chili

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

Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Pork Chili

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

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Grit Cakes with Pork Grillades

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

Recipe: Grit Cakes with Pork Grillades

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

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Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

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

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Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches

Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
Credit: Southern Living

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

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Smoked-Pork-Stuffed Pasta Shells

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

Recipe: Smoked-Pork-Stuffed Pasta Shells

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

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Smoked Pork Butt Sandwich

Smoked Pork Butt Sandwich
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Smoked Pork Butt Sandwich

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

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Grilled Pork Meatball Kebabs

Grilled Pork Meatball Kebabs
Credit: Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Tina Stamos

Perhaps the easiest way to reinvent ground pork is to create these savory meatballs with them.

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Pork Chili Verde

Smoky Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili
Credit: Hector M Sanchez

Recipe: Pork Chili Verde

Cozy on up to this Mexican infused pork chili.

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Caramelized Onion, Spinach, and Pork Strata

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

Recipe: Caramelized Onion, Spinach, and Pork Strata

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

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Pork-and-Shaved Vegetable Salad

Pork-and-Shaved Vegetable Salad
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

The combination of fresh shaved veggies and pork make up this hearty salad.

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Pork Carnitas Nachos

Pork Carnitas Nachos
Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

Recipe: Pork Carnitas Nachos

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

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

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

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

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

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Italian-Style Grits and Greens with Pulled Pork and Mushrooms

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

Recipe: Italian-Style Grits and Greens with Pulled Pork and Mushrooms

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

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Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa

Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa
Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa

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

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Pork and Bok Choy Stir-Fry

Pork and Bok Choy Stir-Fry
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Pork and Bok Choy Stir-Fry

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

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Red Chile Pork Posole

Red Chile Pork Posole
Credit: Oxmoor House

This smoky flavored soup recipe packs all the heat, courtesy of the ancho chile peppers.

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Green Chile Pork Stew

Green Chile Pork Stew
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Green Chile Pork Stew

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

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Sliced Pork Chops with Brown Butter-Golden Raisin Relish

Sliced Pork Chops with Brown Butter-Golden Raisin Relish
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Serve leftover pork alongside roasted sweet potatoes and warm couscous.

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BBQ Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes

BBQ Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: BBQ Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes

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

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Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw

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

Recipe: Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw

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

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Southwest Pork Stew

Southwest Pork Stew
Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Southwest Pork Stew

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

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Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos Al Pastor with All the Fixings

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

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos Al Pastor with All the Fixings

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

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Pulled Pork Nachos

Pulled Pork Nachos
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Pulled Pork Nachos

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

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    Everything in This Slideshow

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    View All

    1 of 25 Quesadillas al Pastor
    2 of 25 Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
    3 of 25 Instant Pot Pulled Pork Chili
    4 of 25 Grit Cakes with Pork Grillades
    5 of 25 Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches
    6 of 25 Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
    7 of 25 Smoked-Pork-Stuffed Pasta Shells
    8 of 25 Smoked Pork Butt Sandwich
    9 of 25 Grilled Pork Meatball Kebabs
    10 of 25 Pork Chili Verde
    11 of 25 Caramelized Onion, Spinach, and Pork Strata
    12 of 25 Pork-and-Shaved Vegetable Salad
    13 of 25 Pork Carnitas Nachos
    14 of 25 Pork-and-Farro Bowl with Warm Brussels Sprouts-Fennel Salad
    15 of 25 Italian-Style Grits and Greens with Pulled Pork and Mushrooms
    16 of 25 Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa
    17 of 25 Pork and Bok Choy Stir-Fry
    18 of 25 Red Chile Pork Posole
    19 of 25 Green Chile Pork Stew
    20 of 25 Sliced Pork Chops with Brown Butter-Golden Raisin Relish
    21 of 25 BBQ Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes
    22 of 25 Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw
    23 of 25 Southwest Pork Stew
    24 of 25 Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos Al Pastor with All the Fixings
    25 of 25 Pulled Pork Nachos

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    25 Easy Leftover Pork Recipes To Carry You Through The Week
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