Oven-Roasted Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Mash

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork tenderloin coated in a bold Cajun spice blend, oven-roasted to juicy perfection, served alongside creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a touch of butter and cinnamon. This southern american-inspired pork ready in about 55 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, olive oil, paprika 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 Southern American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Cajun seasoning.
  2. Step 2: Rub 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin, then coat it thoroughly with the Cajun spice blend. Place pork on a rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Roast pork tenderloin in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, peel and cut 2 large sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15 minutes or until tender.
  5. Step 5: Drain sweet potatoes and return to pot. Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mash until smooth and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Serve sliced pork tenderloin alongside the sweet potato mash, spooning any resting juices over the meat.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Roasted Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Mash 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 Oven-Roasted Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Mash?

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 Oven-Roasted Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Mash?

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 Oven-Roasted Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Mash 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 Oven-Roasted Cajun-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Mash?

Southern 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.

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