Juicy Ground Pork Tacos with Tangy Pineapple Salsa

The best ground pork tacos are served Al Pastor style with fresh pineapple salsa and an orange-chipotle marinade for the pork.

If you enjoy this recipe, try the Pork Stroganoff made with ground pork next!

Ground pork is an economical, flavorful option for weeknight dinners. Unlike sausage, ground pork is simply lean cuts of pork ground without added seasonings, and it soaks up bold flavors easily. For these tacos I use an Al Pastor–inspired blend of fresh orange juice, canned chipotle sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt and a pinch of cayenne. The sweet-heat pork pairs beautifully with a bright, fresh pineapple salsa. These tacos are quick to prepare and perfect for family meals that crave something different but familiar.

More favorite ground pork recipes

• Ham Loaf
• Ravioli Lasagna
• Pork Apple Meatballs

Ingredients for Ground Pork Tacos

Pork Taco Filling

• 1 1/3 lbs ground pork – available in the meat section; not the sausage area.
• 1/3 cup orange juice – fresh squeezed preferred, but carton juice works.
• 3 tbsp canned chipotle sauce – found in the Mexican aisle; adobo from canned chipotles can be substituted.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika – smoked adds depth; sweet paprika also works.
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – or use fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper – optional for more heat.

Pineapple Salsa

• 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, diced — fresh yields the best texture and flavor.
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped — substitute parsley or chives if you avoid cilantro.
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1/2 tsp salt

Extras

• 6 oz shredded Pepper Jack cheese — Monterey Jack or cheddar are fine alternatives.
• Flour or corn tortillas — warm before serving; hard shells or lettuce wraps can be used.
• Optional toppings — mix and match your favorites like sliced radishes, pickled onions, or extra hot sauce.

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, lime juice and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

2. In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground pork, breaking it up with a spatula, until there’s no pink remaining.

3. Stir in the orange juice, chipotle sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and cayenne. Mix well and simmer for 5–7 minutes so the sauce reduces slightly and coats the meat.

4. Warm tortillas, assemble tacos with the pork, a spoonful of pineapple salsa and shredded Pepper Jack. Serve immediately.

Pro tips and FAQs

• Find ground pork with other prepackaged pork cuts, not in the sausage section.
• If you haven’t cut fresh pineapple before, use a simple technique: slice off top and bottom, remove the skin, then cut around the core and dice.
• These tacos are Al Pastor–inspired, combining sweet fruit and smoky spice; they are not a strict traditional al pastor version but are inspired by those flavor profiles.

Serving suggestions

Pair these tacos with a side salad or simple sides to make a complete meal:

• Bean and Rice Salad
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
• Strawberry Trés Leches Cake for dessert

Storage directions

Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked meat in a sealed container for up to one month. Reheat gently and prepare fresh pineapple salsa when serving.

Kitchen tools

• Nonstick skillet for cooking the pork
• Sharp kitchen knife for cutting pineapple and dicing vegetables
• Heat-proof spatula for breaking up the meat
• Box grater for shredding cheese

Thank you for reading. If you make this recipe, consider rating it and sharing your favorite toppings!

More Taco Tuesday recipes

• Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
• Pulled Pork Tacos
• Pineapple Marinated Steak Tacos