Variety certainly is the spice of life, but after a long day, it’s easy to get stuck in a mealtime rut and turn to the same dishes each week. With fast-paced lifestyles, many families are left with little time to come up with new, creative meals.

However, with freshly seasoned ingredients like Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork, a delicious, healthy and hassle-free meal can be made in 30 minutes or less. These 100 percent fresh pork products are slow-marinated in delicious seasonings like Roasted Garlic & Herb and Applewood Smoked Bacon, and can be grilled, roasted, sauteed or slow-cooked for a fast mealtime solution any night of the week.

Take an extra step to simplify dinner with an easy slow-cooker recipe such as this Cheesy Pork and Enchilada Stew, or try Pork Chops Smothered in Onions and Mushrooms for a quick, savory supper. With effortless recipes like these, you’ll always have an answer to the age-old question “what’s for dinner?”

For more recipe ideas, and to see what you can do with 30 minutes, visit SmithfieldRealFlavorRealFast.com.  

Cheesy Pork Enchilada Stew
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4-5 hours
Servings: 8

• 1    package Smithfield Boneless Pork Shoulder Seasoned Carnitas
• 1/2 cup corn flour
• hot sauce
• 2    cans (10 ounces each) red enchilada sauce
• 1    can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles
• 1    can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
• 1 1/2  teaspoons minced garlic
• fresh cilantro
• 1    can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1    cup no-salt-added chicken stock
• 1/2 large red onion, diced
• sour cream
• 4    ounces cream cheese
• 2    cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1. Place carnitas in 5-quart slow cooker. Add corn flour and toss to coat meat.
2. Add all remaining ingredients except cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Cover and cook on high 4-5 hours (low 7-9 hours).
3. Break meat apart with spoon. Add cheeses and stir until melted.

Tip: Leftover stew can be made into dip. Heat 6 cups stew; add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 4 ounces cream cheese; stir until melted. Serve with tortilla chips.

Pork Chops Smothered in Onions and Mushrooms
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Servings: 5

• 6     slices Smithfield Hickory Smoked Bacon, cut into 1-inch slices
• 1     Smithfield Garlic & Herb Marinated Fresh Pork Sirloin Roast, cut into five 1-inch chops
• 2     tablespoons butter
• 1     large sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 8     ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2  teaspoon salt
• 1/2  teaspoon pepper
• 1     cup no-salt-added chicken stock
• 2     tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1     teaspoon minced garlic

1. In large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until browned and crisp. Carefully remove bacon and drain on paper towels.
2. Brown pork chops in bacon grease over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes per side; remove chops from skillet.
3. Add butter to bacon grease in skillet; saute onions, mushrooms, salt and pepper until onions have browned and are tender. Stir in stock, vinegar and garlic; cook and stir until reduced by half.
4. Add browned chops and cooked bacon to skillet. Cover and simmer until internal temperature of meat reaches 150° F, turning once, about 10 minutes.

Sponsored by Smithfield Foods