Baked Lemon-Rosemary Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Tender pork tenderloin roasted with fresh rosemary and lemon zest paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner. This american-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large (about 1 lb), peeled and quartered russet potatoes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 1 lb pork tenderloin and season all sides with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and rub seasoning evenly.
- Step 2: Place pork on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Step 3: While pork roasts, place 2 large peeled and quartered russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
- Step 4: In the same pot, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 3 minced garlic cloves over low heat until butter melts and garlic softens, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Return drained potatoes to the pot and mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Serve sliced pork tenderloin alongside the garlic mashed potatoes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Lemon-Rosemary Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Lemon-Rosemary Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Lemon-Rosemary Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Lemon-Rosemary Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Lemon-Rosemary Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.