Pork tenderloin with gravy

Who ever said you can’t make a good pork meal without lots of seasoning?  Well you definitely can and below is an example.  This was delicious and so tasty!

I lb . Pork tenderloin 

1/2 large onion cut in quarters 

1tsp. Salt

Pepper

***Ist step:  (either way crockpot or oven)Season pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.  In a small amount of oil sear pork on both sides.

Place in baking dish or crockpot with onion.  Cover

If using oven place pan in a 425 oven with 1/2 cup water. ( scrape bottom of pan you seared pork)with water).    Cook approximately 45 to 50 minutes.  Remove.  Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice.  Use dripping to make gravy.

***In crockpot place seared tenderloin with 1/2 cup water and onion.  Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.  Allow to rest before slicing.  Serve with desired sides.

Baked meatloaf! with potatoes and carrots.

Today I made a smaller meatloaf  using 1/2 lb. Ground beef and red skinned potatoes cut in half.  Carrots again because I do like carrots!

New photo for the new year.  Recipe and Ingredients the same just smaller amounts used.

All in one meal.  Baked meatloaf with white potatoes and carrots.

I love all in one meals.  Whether it is crock pot handy or in the oven the thought of putting several good ingredients in a pan or pot and coming out with a delicious, easy to do meal ranks top on my list of happy moments.  Call me crazy but finding meals to not only be healthy but also satisfying is not always easy and when you can put them all in one pan or pot I am one happy chick.  LOL  

This one was delicious.  We had leftovers so hubby had some the next day and me too!  Afterall meatloaf is healthy and this recipe had little bread crumbs so it was low in the carb area. The amount of ketscup was minimal so it was a good healthy choice in my book.  Enjoy and feel free to add anything else you'd like to this meatloaf.  I did not add the Worcestershire sauce(not a fav of mine).  And notice no eggs in this meatloaf and it held together perfectly.  YUM

, 

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk (use low fat is you want)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup crushed saltines or panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 small onion grated 
•  1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce(optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound lean ground beef (chicken or turkey if you desire)
• 2 small onions, quartered
• 4 small potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 4 medium carrots, quartered
• 1 large green pepper, cut into quarters(optional)
• parsley for garnish

1. In a large bowl, combine milk, ketchup, cracker crumbs, Worcestershire sauce optional , salt and pepper. Add ground beef. Shape meat mixture into an 8-in. x 4-in. oval; place in a lightly greased baking pan. Place the onions, potatoes, carrots and optional green pepper around the loaf .
2. Cover and bake at 350° for 1-1/4 hours depending on your oven. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer or until there is no longer any pink in the center and potatoes and carrots are fork tender.  Note: mine took a little longer than time  suggested.  I used beef and pork in my adapted recipe. 

1/10/16 original recipe 

All recipes and their respective images are the sole property of I Like to Bake and Cook™ ©2022, all rights reserved. All content herein is meant for your personal enjoyment only and is in no way to be used for commercial purposes. Use of this site automatically constitutes your agreement to these terms.

adapted from Pot Roast Meat Loaf in Country Ground Beef 1993, p32

Seasoning a Pork Roast (Italian Porketta Sandwiches) In the oven orCrockpot? You choose

Hi everyone !

This is my updated Porketta recipe. 12/30/2023

From the first time I had a bite of this seasoned pork roast I knew it would be carried on for generations to come.

The original recipe was my watching my mother-in-law season a pork butt roast.  They may be called shoulder roast today.  She never measured amounts when she seasoned anything.

When I started blogging I knew to assure I’d have accuracy so I always make note of approximate seasonings amounts.  

FYI:  Everyone taste buds are different.  I’m a heavy garlic, salt and pepper “must have”for bringing out the best in any piece of meat, chicken or fish.

 ***I feel it a recipe such as this would be very bland with minute seasoning.

You be the judge.  You know you and your family the best.

Also another FYI!  Buy some Sweet pickle relish or make a little broccoli rabe to top your porketta.

Each brings out a different element to this  particular roast.  I serve either one as a side when making sandwiches.  Both delicious!  One sweet,  one savory.

Recipe for broccoli rabe:

• 1 bunch broccoli rabe
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, more for drizzling
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedge, for squeezing optional 

Clean and cook rabe in boiling lightly salted water.  Do not over cook. Drain and season while  simmering.  Tasty!

Enjoy!  

Great mini porketta sandwiches.  Holiday, Game day or anyday! Yummy!

2/23/12

Another of my Dad's Favorite's and yes again we can thank my mother-in-law for her original recipe.  When Mom would make her version it would always be served as a side with pasta.  Great family recipe!  The illustration is how mom would season her pork butt roast.  She is the one who taught me to make the slit down the center for easy seasoning.

I first learned how to season a pork roast from my mother in law.!!  She would make this recipe for all special occasions; whether it was a graduation, shower or the holidays. 

This well seasoned piece of pork added so much to our traditional Italian meal..  She would cook it covered in the oven with a little water and when it was cooked thoroughly she would shred it and pile it high on a fresh crusty roll.  (They had a bread bakery 3 houses down from theirs).  How lucky they were?  Fresh bread and rolls all the time.  When my mom would make this roast she mostly served it with her pasta and any leftovers we'd make sandwiches and add some sweet relish on top.  One great yummy sandwich!.  I make it both ways.  This seasoned pork is great either way!  Try it this holiday!!  They'll keep asking for it I am sure.

Here are some easy steps to making a porketta:

 
 This recipe of my mother-in-laws has been around for ages and quite honestly it has gotten the most reviews and every time I re-post someone new grabs onto it and shares.  It is wonderful and makes the most tender,tasty and handy grab and go sandwiches.  Here goes:

Buy a 3#+or so Pork Loin or Pork Butt(I like the loin) it is a little leaner but my mom and mother in law used the Butt piece.

1. Lean Pork butt or loin approx. 3 or more lbs.
2. Approximately 3 T or more dried Dill weed
3. 1 tsp. Per lb. salt
4. Approximately 1T or more pepper( depends on how much spice you enjoy)
5. About 4 cloves garlic
6. 1/4 cup canola or olive oil


***On a large piece of  wax paper place 3+ or more tsp. salt , 3+ or more tsp. pepper and 3 +or more tsp. dried dill weed.(you'll find it in the spice section).  We like heavy seasoning so I add a bit more to my roast.


Note:  the plus is in reference to the size of your roast.

Mix all seasonings together on a large piece of wax paper. Place Pork Roast in center.  Make a slit in the center of the roast about 1/4 in down.  Place in each slit one clove (4) total garlic in slits.  Roll Pork Roast all over the seasoning making sure to cover the whole roast with the seasoning.  (You may have some left on wax paper and that is OK).  Place 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil in roasting pan and add seasoned roast. Sear on all sides. 

After roast is seared well place roast  in roasting pan with approximately 1 cup water and cover. Place in center of oven and bake covered approximately 3 hours or until when inserting a fork the roast pulls apart. 

Remove from oven allow to cool slightly. Add some water to pan and scrape all sides and bottom. Shred or cut porketta in slices.Top roast with drippings, slice and serve with pasta or shred for sandwiches.


Try it in your Crockpot: Sear your roast first on both sides in a little vegetable oil. Then in your crockpot place roast fat side up with approximately 1 cup water.  Add seasoned roast. Secure.   Set dial to low and cook approximately 5 to 6 hours.  If you want it to be done quicker set crockpot to high and it should be done approximately two hours earlier. Test roast with a fork. If it pulls apart or slices easily it is done.  When done remove, let cool slightly and roast should pull apart. There should be plenty of liquid but add a little water if necessary (to pan and scrap drippings and add to shredded pork).  It will keep the pork moist and add all those yummy flavors to your pork).

  **Most times if I have a chance I wrap the roast in clear plastic wrap the night before I am going to bake to help seal in the flavors into the pork. It's almost like an overnight marinade.

Oven Method:  Bake covered 350 degrees for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until roast pulls apart with fork. Check periodically to see if a little water may be needed.  Shred for sandwiches or use as a side with Spaghetti..  A true Italian delicacy.  Bon Appetite!

Happy Cooking from my kitchen to yours,

All recipes and their respective images are the sole property of I Like to Bake and Cook™ ©2022, all rights reserved. All content herein is meant for your personal enjoyment only and is in no way to be used for commercial purposes. Use of this site automatically constitutes your agreement to these terms.

Easy to season

Basic ingredients.


All recipes and their respective images are the sole property of I Like to Bake and Cook™ ©2022, all rights reserved. All content herein is meant for your personal enjoyment only and is in no way to be used for commercial purposes. Use of this site automatically constitutes your agreement to these terms.

Pork cutlets

Several years ago when we were in Florida I shopped local and  they had pork cutlets packaged for sale and were delicious. 

Today I decided it was time to make some for our dinner.

Recipe as follows;

I lb. pork tenderloin (cut in medium size slices)

2eggs beaten 

1  1/2 cups seasoned bread crumbs

Salt and pepper. 

Vegetable oil as needed 

Directions:

Using a mallet I pounded (scored) both sides of the pork until the patties were thin.

In a bowl place eggs, salt and pepper. Whisk well.

 Dip the pork cutlets in beaten eggs seasoned with salt and pepper and then into the breadcrumbs to coat pork well.. (My  breadcrumbs were seasoned with Romano cheese too). 

In a large skillet add a few tablespoons vegetable oil.

 Place cutlets in pan and fry until lightly browned. If needed add a little more vegetable oil.

 The green beans were from my friends garden so I cooked the beans and potatoes until tender.  Drain and add minced garlic , olive oil and a little dried parsley.

Since I was in the mood to cook I made candied sweet potatoes too which really complimented this meal.

Note:  My mom always made candied sweet potatoes with her pork chops. 

They are yummy cold too!  I had a leftover pork cutlet for lunch (cold) yummy!

Note*** you can also use boneless pork chops for this recipe. ENJOY!

FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS,

Baby Back Ribs

These Ribs were delicious. Finger licking good!

I lb.  Baby Back ribs

Salt, pepper 

Garlic powder

Onion powder

1/2 cup water 

Sweet Baby Rays Barbecue sauce of choice

 Season the ribs with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder.  I put 1/2 cup water in my crockpot fat side down and  placed seasoned ribs. Cooked on high for approximately 4 hours. 

 Removed from crockpot brushed heavily Sweet Baby Rays placed on a cooking sheet(I used a disposable pan for convenience and easy clean up) and broiled on high about 10 minutes or until barbecue sauce coated the ribs.

Homemade coleslaw, grated and sliced thin a 1/2 head of cabbage 1/4 piece of a red pepper too.  Added Miracle whip, pinch salt and sugar and a tablespoon half and half.  Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until serving.

Yummy dinner for two!  Homemade fries too!  Easy Meal!!

Note: Saves time using the crockpot!  No watching and waiting!

Enjoy!

Volcano Pork meatballs

 Another simple recipe created when you have ground pork and do what seems easy.  Stuffing the inside with a cube of mozzarella makes it better than ever.

1 lb. fresh ground pork 

1egg beaten well

1/2 cup grated fresh Romano cheese

1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs 

1tsp. Dried Parsley 

1/2 tsp.  Pensey Garlic granules ( that’s what it says on label)

 3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese cut in cubes

Moisten hands with cold water and mix above ingredients together.

I made these meatballs LARGE so I could push in the center of the meat with a cube of mozzarella and roll until smooth.

Place meatballs on a well sprayed with cooking spray cookie sheet.  Bake approximately 15 minutes at 400 degrees.

Place baked meatballs in your favorite red sauce and cook about 1/2 hour.

When you cut them the mozzarella oozes out.  Yummy!

We had them with homemade rolls.

Ground pork and stir fry veggies

I had never used ground pork for an Asian recipe.  Today I did and I am so happy I decided to try a recipe with it.

Tender and so tasty!

I lb. lean ground pork 

I onion chopped

I bag frozen oriental vegetables

Olive oil

Salt and red pepper 

Sauté pork in olive oil . Add chopped onion.  Sauté until slightly crispy.  Drain any drippings into a separate pan.  When pork is browned and slightly crispy add oriental vegetables.  Cover and simmer on low heat until veggies are steamed and tender.

Sauce

Pork drippings plus equal parts  water,  soy sauce to your liking and about 1tsp. to 1 tablespoon corn starch. Whisk constantly over low heat until slightly thickened. Toss with pork and veggies.  Serve over rice. Yummy!

***Note:  if your drippings are not brown enough you can add a little gravy master to give it a rich brown color.

Enjoy!

Chili sauce Pork chops

Here’s another recipe for Pork(the other white meat ).

The recipe is so easy you can put it on your plate in 15 minutes. 

I just created it my way with little effort and you can too!

Note: I used thin pork chops.  If using larger chops you may want to cook longer or bake covered.  You decide!

They are so delicious!!!!

4 to 6 thin boneless pork chops

2 T vegetable oil

Pinch salt and pepper

1/2 bottle mild chili sauce 

4T brown sugar 

About 1 to 2 T water

On low to medium slowly sauté pork chops in oil.  Cover slightly.

Once pork chops are slightly browned add chili sauce . Brown sugar and a few T of water.

Cook slowly until sauce starts to adhere to pork turning occasionally.

Remove from pan and serve with your side of choice.

I served cabbage and noodles as my side.

 

Stuffed Pepper Loaf!

Remember this recipe?  If you haven't tried this easy meatloaf today might be the day :).  If you like the taste of peppers this meatloaf is really good and we loved the leftovers.

All this recipe requires is a few easy ingredients and you'll have a delicious meal to serve.  I put my thinking cap on and as I promised I'm bringing a new loaf to our table and hopefully yours too! Stuffed Pepper Loaf! 

I'm hoping you'll enjoy this new idea and I'll be doing a few more of these  EASY ONE PAN MEALS to help you spend less time in your kitchen but still bring good healthy meals to your family.  Enjoy!  Just add a salad and some fresh bread and you are going to make your family happy.

February 11/2012 first posted
Happy Cooking!
 

M.J

Today I started the day by going to the grocery store and buying some good quality ground beef and pork.

Let's see what I can make from that start.

1 lb. approximately beef and pork ground
1 medium onion chopped
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1/2 cup orange pepper diced
1/2 cup green pepper diced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 egg slightly beaten
 1 -15 oz. Hunts sauce reserving 2 tablespoons sauce for to mix in with ingredients.

Mix ingredients..shape into loaf ..Spray loaf pan with cooking spray. Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour or more.. Take out of oven top with remainder of sauce and bake another 1/2 hour more. Note:  Times are approximate.  Test your loaf to make sure the juices are clear.

Easy to make and you can put it together the evening before, wrap it in plastic wrap and it's ready to bake when you get home from work!

From my kitchen to yours,

11/1/12

4/1/13

Sausage and roasted red pepper rolls

1 lb. hot or sweet bulk sausage 

Dice several roasted red peppers( Pat to dry)

Mozzarella cheese cut into small slices.

Pizza dough

Sauté sausage until slightly browned and no visible  raw meat. Drain any grease. Add diced/chopped peppers and stir until warmed.

Drain meat of any excess grease.

Cut pizza dough in pieces.  I bought 2 large pizza size dough from our favorite pizza place. (I was able to make 16 small to medium rolls).

Using a rolling pin stretch dough to desired size .

Place about 2 tsp. of sausage mix on center of dough.top with small slice of cheese.

Prepare cookie sheets.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake rolls for approximately 30 minutes.

Tuck sides of dough first watching not to get any juice on dough.

Roll like a jelly roll into sandwich size rolls or hamburger bun size. 

I didn’t fuss about size or shape.  They were delicious!

Spray your cookie sheets with cooking spray.

Space the rolls a good distance apart on cookie sheets making sure to allow for increasing size of rolls.

Note:  if you place them too close they will spread onto other roll.

From my kitchen to yours,

Swiss and broccoli stuffed Pork Tenderloin

***Note:  I have found Aldis pork tenderloin to be a good choice.  Always tender and pork tenderloin is lean and easy to bake.

I also use their different cheese.  I used their Swiss cheese in this recipe as well.

Here's another meal I made with ingredients I had in my refrigerator, freezer and pantry.

We get tired of the same menu for our dinner so I have to come to the realization that there are days I must create a menu/meal.  It is just a way of life.

I get tired of pasta even though I make a variety of recipes to make my hubby and family happy but need some meals that interest me.  I love pork tenderloin so having one available (I bought a 2 in 1 package) just made me think of what way I could prepare one of them differently.  I came up with the below recipe.

Personally I try to create other interesting meals for me regularly.

  I get bored very easily and I love to eat so it comes to days like today when I had a nice pork tenderloin, frozen broccoli and swiss cheese.  It all came together to make a very delicious evening meal.  We enjoyed it and I had two nice size sweet potatoes so I microwaved them and scooped out the inside adding some butter and hand mashed them.  Yummy!

12/10/19

1 lb.  Pork filet butterflied.  Swiss cheese, seasoned broccoli,  (salt, pepper, garlic powder).

Brushed with olive oil.  Tied and Baked in sprayed baking dish at 375 degrees approximately 30 to 40 minutes.  Light pink to no pink center.  Tender and amazing.

Hand Mashed sweet potatoes with butter as our side.

Fill center of filet with cheese first then seasoned chopped broccoli

Three

Four

Five

Two

Cooked to perfection

One

Enjoy!