Lemon-Thyme Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork tenderloin roasted with bright lemon and earthy thyme, served alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes. This american-inspired pork ready in about 55 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, olive oil, chopped fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp lemon zest, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over a 1.5 lb pork tenderloin.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork on a roasting pan or baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, place 2 lbs peeled and quartered russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium and cook for 15-18 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: Drain potatoes thoroughly, then return to pot. Add 4 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve sliced pork tenderloin atop a bed of garlic mashed potatoes, spooning any resting juices over the meat.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Thyme Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Lemon-Thyme Roasted 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 Lemon-Thyme Roasted 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 Lemon-Thyme Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Thyme Roasted 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.

Related recipes