Today I bought a pork shoulder from Walmart, planning to grind it for a recipe.

If using a food processor, pulse in short bursts to avoid turning the meat into paste.

What You Can Make with Freshly Ground Pork

Once ground, the possibilities are endless:

• Homemade pork sausages
• Juicy meatballs
• Dumpling or wonton filling
• Pork burgers
• Chili or meat sauces

Freshly ground pork absorbs seasonings better and cooks more evenly than store-bought ground meat.

Storage Tips

• Use immediately for best flavor
• Refrigerate for up to 24 hours
• Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months

Label it clearly so it doesn’t get lost in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Buying a pork shoulder and grinding it yourself may feel like an extra step, but the payoff is worth it. Better taste, better texture, and total control over your ingredients — all from a simple cut of meat you can find at almost any grocery store.

Sometimes the best recipes start with doing one small thing from scratch.