Maple Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops with Cinnamon Sweet Potato Mash and Garlic Green Beans

This dish is a dream for anyone with a sweet tooth who still wants a satisfying dinner. The maple balsamic glaze brings a candy-like sweetness to the pork chops, while the cinnamon-spiced sweet potato mash adds warmth and creaminess. But don’t worry—savory elements like garlicky green beans and crunchy pecans keep everything grounded.

Packed with vitamin A from the sweet potatoes and protein from the pork, this meal is as nutritious as it is delicious. The glaze doubles as a sauce, so every bite is full of flavor. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight indulgence.

Log in to save recipes and build weekly shopping lists.

Ingredients

4 unit Sweet PotatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

24 ounce Pork ChopsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

12 ounce Green BeansView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon CinnamonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce Maple SyrupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon Balsamic VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 ounce PecansView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2.5 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Pepper, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into ½-inch cubes. Place in a large pot and add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until easily pierced with a knife, about 12 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Keep the pot of boiling water on the stove.
2. While the sweet potatoes cook, heat a large drizzle of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops all over with salt and pepper. Add to the pan and cook to your desired doneness, 4–6 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside. Meanwhile, mince 1 clove of garlic (use the other as you like).
3. Add the green beans to the pot of boiling water and cook until tender but still slightly crisp, 3–4 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add ½ tablespoon butter and a pinch of the minced garlic. Toss until the butter melts and coats the green beans. Season with salt, pepper, and more garlic to taste, but save a little for the glaze.
4. Add 2 tablespoons butter, cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the bowl with the sweet potatoes. Mash with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil to keep warm.
5. Heat a drizzle of oil in the pan used for the pork over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (you may have extra) and remove the pan from heat. Let it bubble and reduce until slightly syrupy, about 1 minute. Return to medium heat and add the remaining maple syrup. Simmer until thick and glaze-like, about 2 minutes.
6. Add the pork chops back to the pan and turn to coat in the glaze. Remove from heat. Divide the sweet potato mash, green beans, and pork chops among plates. Sprinkle the sweet potatoes with pecans. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the pork and serve.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Large bowl

Winco , 8-Quart, Stainless Steel (MXB-800Q)View on AmazonFox Run Brands 2.75-Quart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 9 x 9 x 4 inches, MetallicView on AmazonMfacoy 2 Pack Salad Bowl, 8 inch 60 oz Large Serving Bowl Set, Deep Bowl for Kitchen, White Ceramic Bowl Set for Soup, Cereal, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Easy CleanView on Amazon

Large pot

IMUSA 16 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid - Large Cooking Pot for Soups, Stews, Pasta, Seafood Boiling and Family Meals - Riveted Handles for Easy TransportView on AmazonCAROTE 8QT Full Clad Tri Ply Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid, Kitchen Soup Pot, All Stoves Compatible, Oven & Dishwasher Safe, Stay Cool Handle, White, Mothers Day GiftsView on AmazonKirecoo Stainless Steel Stock Pot - 8 Quart Heavy Duty Induction Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta, Soup, Spaghetti, Nonstick Thick Bottom Big Stockpot, Deep Cookware for Canning, Boiling, SimmerView on Amazon

Peeler

OXO Good Grips Swivel PeelerView on AmazonSpring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler, Soft Grip Handle and Ultra Sharp Stainless Steel Blades - Perfect Kitchen Peeler For Veggie, Fruit, Potato, Carrot, Apple - BlackView on AmazonFUHUY Vegetable, Apple Peelers for kitchen, Fruit, Carrot, Veggie, Potatoes Peeler, Y-Shaped and I-Shaped Stainless Steel Peelers, with Ergonomic Non-Slip Handle & Sharp Blade, Good Sturdy (2PCS)View on Amazon

Slotted spoon

Berglander Slotted Spoons for Straining 2 pcs 13", Stainless Steel Kitchen Spider Strainer Skimmer Ladle for Straining Pasta/Cooking/Frying, Metal Kitchen Utensils Pasta SpoonView on AmazonHOTEC 446°F Heat Resistant Large Silicone Cooking Spoon, BPA Free Solid Slotted Spoons, Nonstick Kitchen Cookware Utensils, Mixing, Serving, Stiring Large Spoons, BlackView on AmazonOXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Slotted SpoonView on Amazon

Large pan

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on AmazonSNOWCLAD Frying Pans Nonstick with Lid,Hybrid Non Stick 5 Quart Saute pan,PFOA Free Cookware,Stainless Steel skillet,12 inch Deep Saute Pan,Dishwasher&Oven Safe,Works on All CooktopsView on Amazon

Strainer

Cuisinart, Mesh Strainers, Stainless Steel Mesh Strainers for Kitchen, Fine Mesh Kitchen Strainer Set for Sifting, Straining and Cooking, Ctg-00-3Ms, 3 CountView on Amazon3Pcs Super Wire Extra Fine Mesh Strainer with Handle, Small Medium Large Size Sifter Metal Strainer Set, Stainless Steel Sieve Fine Mesh Strainers for Kitchen Rice Juice Quinoa Food Flour Baking YLYLView on AmazonWinco Strainer with Single Fine Mesh, 8-Inch Diameter, Medium, Stainless Steel, Tan,SilverView on Amazon

Potato masher

Chef Craft Select Sturdy Masher, 10.25 inch, Stainless Steel/BlackView on AmazonKitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher, 10.24-Inch, BlackView on AmazonUpgraded Potato Masher, Durable Non-break Handle, Rust-proof, Dishwasher safe, Heavy duty 304 Stainless Steel, Kitchen Gadgets Gifts, BlackView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Yes, boneless pork loin chops or pork tenderloin medallions work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. The mash will still be creamy.