Mom's Best Recipes
Recipe

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Spinach, sun-dried tomato, and mozzarella stuffed pork tenderloin with a quick lemony pan sauce.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8
A sliced stuffed pork tenderloin on a cutting board, showing a spiral of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and melted mozzarella, with a small bowl of pan sauce nearby

Stuffed pork tenderloin is one of those meals that looks like you planned your whole life around dinner, but it is secretly just a few smart moves: butterfly, stuff, roll, tie, sear, roast. The tenderloin stays juicy, the filling turns into a savory ribbon, and you get crisp edges that make you hover near the cutting board “just to taste.”

This version leans into big flavor without going full grocery list chaos: garlicky spinach, punchy sun-dried tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and a quick pan sauce that tastes bright and restaurant-y with basically zero effort. It is weeknight doable, but absolutely holds its own for company.

Raw pork tenderloin on a cutting board next to bowls of fresh spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, garlic, lemon, and spices on a kitchen counter

Why It Works

  • Juicy pork, not dry pork. We sear for color, then roast just to doneness and let it rest so the juices stay put.
  • Filling that actually tastes like something. Quick sauté concentrates the spinach, wakes up the garlic, and keeps the center from turning watery.
  • Clean slices with that spiral moment. A little tying and a rest before slicing makes it look fancy without requiring fancy skills.
  • A built-in sauce. A splash of broth and lemon in the same pan pulls up the browned bits and turns them into instant flavor.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Cool leftovers, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep any pan sauce separate if you can.

Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheat without drying it out: Add a spoonful of broth or leftover sauce, cover, and warm gently in a 325°F oven until hot throughout. For most food-safe guidance, reheat leftovers to 165°F. Microwave works too, but use 50% power and short bursts.

Leftover move I love: Thin slices + toasted ciabatta + arugula + a smear of mayo mixed with a little Dijon. It is a “why did we not do this sooner” sandwich.

Common Questions

How do I keep stuffed pork tenderloin from drying out?

Do not cook it to oblivion. Pull it when the thickest part hits 145°F, then rest 10 minutes. Also, sear first for flavor, then roast for control.

What temperature should pork tenderloin be cooked to?

145°F internal temperature, then a short rest. The center may be slightly pink, which is totally fine and usually the juiciest.

My filling is leaking out. What did I do wrong?

Usually one of three things: you overstuffed, you did not tie it tightly enough, or the seam went in the pan first and got jostled. Tie every 1 to 1½ inches, and start searing with the seam side down to “seal” it.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes. You can assemble and tie the tenderloin up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate tightly wrapped or in an airtight container (set it on a tray and keep it away from ready-to-eat foods). Let it sit at room temp for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking for more even roasting.

Can I use pork loin instead of tenderloin?

Pork loin is thicker, larger, and cooks differently. You can stuff it, but plan on longer cook time and consider a lower oven temp. For this specific recipe, tenderloin is the easy win.

A butterflied pork tenderloin opened flat on a cutting board, ready to be stuffed

I love recipes that make people think you worked harder than you did. Stuffed pork tenderloin is that friend. The first time I made it, I was convinced I was about to ruin dinner with a spiral of chaos and a knot situation that felt personal. But once you slice into it and see that filling ribbon, it is instant confidence. Now it is my go-to when I want something cozy and impressive, especially when I am cooking with other people in the kitchen and we all need a win.