Sheet-Pan Cajun Roasted Pork and Sweet Potatoes

Name: Sheet-Pan Cajun Roasted Pork and Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 500 g pork shoulder, cut into 3 cm cubes; 600 g sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes; 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips; 1 medium yellow onion, cut into wedges; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

This sheet-pan meal pairs spicy, aromatic Cajun-seasoned pork shoulder with caramelized sweet potatoes and bell peppers for a budget-friendly weekend dinner.

Prep15 minCook35 minTotal50 minServes4Difficultymedium

Method

How to make it

01
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02
In a large bowl, combine pork cubes, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
03
Add sweet potatoes, bell pepper strips, and onion wedges to the bowl. Toss gently to coat vegetables with the seasoning and oil mixture.
04
Spread the pork and vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure there is space between pieces for even roasting.
05
Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, turning everything halfway through, until pork is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized at edges.
06
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

From the editor

Cooking tips

Use pork shoulder for better flavor and tenderness compared to leaner cuts; it also stays moist during roasting.
If you prefer less heat, reduce cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon or omit it entirely without losing the aromatic depth.
Cut vegetables into even pieces to ensure they roast at the same rate; sweet potatoes should be smaller than pork pieces to soften appropriately.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a hot oven or skillet to retain crispness.

Published May 12, 2026