A simple weeknight dinner featuring crispy, browned ground pork and a bright, tangy pineapple salsa, these Ground Pork Tacos come together quickly and deliver big flavor. Ready in about 20–25 minutes, they’re an easy, delicious option for taco night.
This post is sponsored by the Ohio Pork Council; opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting pork farmers.
I’m pleased to partner again with the Ohio Pork Council. After meeting the families and farmers who care for pigs and bring quality pork to stores, I’ve enjoyed adding more pork into our home menus. Ground pork is versatile, affordable, and perfect for quick dinners like these tacos.
Ground pork can be used in place of ground beef or turkey for a different flavor and texture. These tacos showcase browned, slightly crisp pork topped with a refreshing pineapple salsa for a sweet-and-savory balance. If you like pork and tacos, this is a recipe worth trying.
Why you will love these Ground Pork Tacos:
- Quick and easy: Forget pre-made seasoning packets. A few pantry spices plus lime juice and broth create a bright homemade taco seasoning that’s fast and flavorful. Use drained canned pineapple tidbits or pre-cut fresh pineapple to save time on the salsa.
- Deep flavor from browning: Browning ground pork until it develops some crisp edges adds a lot of savory character. Letting the meat sit undisturbed for a few minutes helps it caramelize.
- Pineapple salsa brightens the dish: The sweet-tart salsa balances the savory pork. Fruity flavors pair especially well with pork, and fresh lime and cilantro bring everything together.
- Great for meal prep: Both the pork and the salsa can be made ahead and used all week in tacos, salads, quesadillas, or bowls—handy for busy evenings.
Ingredients:
For the tacos:
- Ground pork: Use plain ground pork (not sausage). It typically comes from the shoulder and is flavorful; fat content varies by source.
- Broth: Chicken or beef broth adds depth. Water or a splash of orange juice can work in a pinch.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best for brightness.
- Spices: Chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Add cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want heat.
For the Pineapple Salsa:
- Pineapple: Fresh is ideal, but canned tidbits or pre-cut pineapple save time.
- Red onion: Provides color and a mild bite; white onion works too.
- Jalapeño: Seeded for milder salsa, keep seeds for more heat.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed to taste.
- Cilantro: Fresh and chopped, plus extra for garnish.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Prepare the pineapple salsa: Dice pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Toss with lime juice and a pinch of salt to taste. Chill until ready to serve.
Cook the ground pork: Heat about 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork, break it into chunks, and let it cook undisturbed for about 4–5 minutes to develop browning. Stir and continue cooking until fully cooked (ground pork should reach 160°F).
Reduce heat to low and add broth, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat, then simmer 2–3 minutes until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens slightly.
Assemble the tacos: Warm or lightly char tortillas in a skillet or over a flame. Fill each tortilla with pork, top with pineapple salsa, sprinkle with cotija or your preferred cheese, and finish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips:
- Let the pork brown: Allowing the meat to sit undisturbed for a few minutes helps it caramelize and develop extra flavor and texture.
- Quick pineapple prep: Fresh pineapple is great, but canned tidbits or pre-cut fruit speed things up without sacrificing much flavor.
- Tortilla options: Corn, flour, or hard shells all work. For gluten-free, choose corn tortillas or serve the pork over a salad or rice bowl.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftover meat in an airtight container for 4–5 days. Reheat with a splash of water or lime juice to restore moisture.
What to serve with this recipe:
These tacos are satisfying on their own, but you can pair them with:
- Tortilla chips and guacamole or a simple roasted tomato salsa.
- Cornbread casserole or a warm side of grilled/air-fryer corn on the cob.
- A crisp salad—try a cauliflower rice salad or a taco-inspired salad topped with the ground pork.
Other Pork Recipes:
- Pulled Pork Nachos
- Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops
- Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
- Dutch Oven Pork Tenderloin
Find more pork recipe ideas at the Ohio Pork Council.
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Ground Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients
For the Ground Pork:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1½ tsp cumin
- 1½ tsp oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½–⅔ cup broth (chicken or beef)
- Juice of 1 lime (about 1.5–2 Tbsp)
For the Pineapple Salsa:
- 2 cups pineapple, small diced
- 1 jalapeño, small diced (seeds removed for less spice)
- ½ red onion, small diced
- 1/3 cup cilantro, freshly chopped
- Juice of 1 lime (about 1.5–2 Tbsp)
- Salt to taste
Taco Assembly:
- 6–8 6-inch corn or flour tortillas
- Cotija cheese, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Make the pineapple salsa: Combine diced pineapple, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt to taste and chill until ready to serve.
- Cook the pork: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground pork, break into pieces, and let it brown for 4–5 minutes without stirring to develop a crust. Stir and cook until done (160°F).
- Reduce heat to low and stir in lime juice, broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce reduces and coats the meat.
- Assemble tacos: Warm or char tortillas. Fill with pork, top with pineapple salsa, sprinkle with cotija or preferred cheese, add extra cilantro and a lime wedge, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Allow the pork to brown well for the best flavor and a bit of crisp texture.
- Corn or flour tortillas work; use corn for a gluten-free option.
- Store leftover meat in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days. Reheat with a splash of water or lime juice to restore moisture.
Nutritional information is an estimate and should be used as a guide. Nutrition here excludes optional cheese.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation.
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