Cheese-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Sauce
A juicy pork tenderloin stuffed with sharp cheddar and spinach, roasted to perfection and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce. This american-inspired keto (keto, gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes blends trimmed pork tenderloin, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped fresh spinach into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1.5 lbs, trimmed pork tenderloin
- 4 oz, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup, chopped fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Butterfly 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin by slicing lengthwise almost through, then open flat. Season inside and outside with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Evenly spread 1 cup chopped fresh spinach and 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the inside of the pork. Roll tightly and secure with kitchen twine every 2 inches.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork roll on all sides for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 4: Transfer skillet to oven and roast pork for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove pork and tent with foil to rest.
- Step 5: In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, then pour sauce over sliced pork before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheese-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cheese-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Sauce?
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 Cheese-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Cheese-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Sauce keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.