Skillet

Pork And Bacon Skillet With Sweet Potatoes

Name: Pork And Bacon Skillet With Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) pork chops, boneless; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon; 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced

By Wren Ashford · June 19, 2026 · Skillet

Prep20 min

Cook35 min

Total55 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made a pork and bacon skillet with sweet potatoes. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was looking for a hearty, comforting dish to warm up my family. As the aromas of sizzling bacon and roasting sweet potatoes filled the kitchen, I knew I had created something special.

Over the years, I've refined this recipe to perfection, and it's become a staple in our household. The combination of crispy bacon, tender pork, and sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes is a match made in heaven. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to create a mouth-watering pork and bacon skillet with sweet potatoes that's sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll love the simplicity and flavor of this dish.

So, let's get started! With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you'll be enjoying a delicious, homemade pork and bacon skillet with sweet potatoes in no time.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's also a great way to use up any leftover sweet potatoes or pork you may have on hand. So, go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won't be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The combination of crispy bacon, tender pork, and sweet potatoes is a match made in heaven.
You can use leftover sweet potatoes or pork to make the recipe even more convenient.
The dish is hearty and comforting, making it perfect for a chilly evening.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of protein and complex carbohydrates.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great pork and bacon skillet with sweet potatoes is to cook the ingredients in the right order and at the right temperature. By starting with a cold pan and gradually increasing the heat, you can render the fat from the bacon and create a crispy, caramelized crust on the pork.

The sweet potatoes, which are cooked in the same pan as the pork and bacon, absorb all the flavorful juices and oils, creating a delicious, savory side dish that's perfect for accompanying the pork.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the resting time. By letting the pork rest for a few minutes before serving, you allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious pork and bacon skillet with sweet potatoes, you'll need a few simple ingredients. Be sure to choose thick-cut bacon and sweet potatoes that are high in starch, as these will yield the best results.

When shopping for pork, look for a cut that's lean and tender, such as a pork chop or a pork tenderloin. And don't forget to pick up some fresh thyme and rosemary, as these herbs add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish.

1 lb (450g) pork chops, bonelessLook for a lean and tender cut of pork, such as a pork chop or a pork tenderloin. You can also use pork shoulder or pork belly if you prefer a fattier cut.
6 slices of thick-cut baconThick-cut bacon is essential for this recipe, as it allows for a crispy exterior and a chewy interior. Look for a smoked or applewood-smoked bacon for added flavor.
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubedChoose sweet potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes. These will yield a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.
2 tbsp olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that's rich in flavor and has a high smoke point. This will help to create a crispy crust on the pork and sweet potatoes.
1 tsp dried thymeFresh or dried thyme works well in this recipe. If using fresh thyme, be sure to chop it finely before adding it to the dish.
1 tsp dried rosemaryLike thyme, fresh or dried rosemary works well in this recipe. If using fresh rosemary, be sure to chop it finely before adding it to the dish.
1 tsp saltUse a flaky sea salt or a kosher salt to add depth and texture to the dish.
1/2 tsp black pepperFreshly ground black pepper is essential for adding flavor and aroma to the dish. Use a peppermill to grind the pepper just before adding it to the recipe.
1/4 cup chicken brothUse a low-sodium chicken broth to add moisture and flavor to the dish. You can also use beef broth or vegetable broth if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor and aroma. Mince the garlic just before adding it to the recipe to ensure maximum flavor release.

Ingredients for Pork And Bacon Skillet With Sweet Potatoes

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerTongs or spatulaOven mitts

How to Make Pork And Bacon Skillet With Sweet Potatoes

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the pork chops and toss to coat, making sure they are evenly covered with the herb mixture.
3
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
4
Add the sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to brown. Remove the sweet potatoes from the skillet and set them aside with the bacon.
5
Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are browned. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside with the bacon and sweet potatoes.
6
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
7
Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
8
Return the pork chops, bacon, and sweet potatoes to the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
9
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender.
10
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
11
Slice the pork chops and serve with the sweet potatoes, bacon, and pan juices.
12
Garnish with fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Use a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet for the best results, as these retain heat well and can be used at high temperatures.
Don't overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the ingredients from cooking evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before slicing, as this allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Don't overcook the sweet potatoes, as they can become mushy and unappetizing. Check them frequently and remove them from the skillet when they are tender.
Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet for added flavor and nutrients.
Serve the dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad for a well-rounded meal.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to find the combination that you enjoy the most.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pork chops, which can make them dry and tough.
Not letting the pork chops rest before slicing, which can cause the juices to run out and the meat to become dry.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as thin-cut bacon or low-starch sweet potatoes, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not cooking the sweet potatoes long enough, which can leave them undercooked and unappetizing.
Not using a meat thermometer, which can lead to undercooked or overcooked pork chops.
Crowding the skillet, which can lower the temperature and prevent the ingredients from cooking evenly.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced apples or pears to the skillet for a sweet and savory twist.
Use different types of pork, such as pork shoulder or pork belly, for a fattier and more flavorful dish.
Add some spicy sausage, such as chorizo or andouille, for a spicy kick.
Use different types of sweet potatoes, such as yams or parsnips, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, for added crunch and nutrition.
Use a different type of broth, such as beef or vegetable broth, for a different flavor profile.
Add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, for an extra burst of flavor.

What to Serve With Pork And Bacon Skillet With Sweet Potatoes

This pork and bacon skillet with sweet potatoes is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad for a well-rounded meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrotsA salad, such as a green salad or a grain saladMashed potatoes or sweet potatoesGrilled or roasted bread, such as baguette or ciabattaA side of sautéed spinach or kaleA fruit salad or a fruit smoothie

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops are heated through and the sweet potatoes are tender.

Alternatively, you can reheat the dish on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pork chops are heated through and the sweet potatoes are tender.

Be sure to let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, as this allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork is best for this recipe?

A lean and tender cut of pork, such as a pork chop or a pork tenderloin, is best for this recipe. You can also use pork shoulder or pork belly if you prefer a fattier cut.

Can I use different types of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use different types of sweet potatoes, such as yams or parsnips, for a unique flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the pork chops from becoming dry?

To prevent the pork chops from becoming dry, be sure to not overcook them and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply reheat the dish in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

What type of broth is best for this recipe?

A low-sodium chicken broth is best for this recipe, but you can also use beef or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.

Can I add other ingredients to the skillet?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the skillet, such as diced onions or bell peppers, for added flavor and nutrients. Just be sure to not overcrowd the skillet and cook the ingredients in batches if necessary.

How do I know when the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature?

To ensure the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature should be at least 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare and 160°F (71°C) for medium.

Can I serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables?

Yes, this dish is perfect for serving with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots. Simply toss the vegetables in olive oil and season with salt and pepper before roasting in the oven until tender and caramelized.

The Full Recipe

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