Looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? This Pork and Beans Recipe is a comforting, one-pot meal that combines tender pork with savory beans in a rich, flavorful sauce.
Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or a filling dish for a family gathering, this classic recipe is sure to satisfy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any time of year.
Let’s dive into some great serving ideas, storage tips, and frequently asked questions to help you make the most out of this delicious pork and beans recipe.
Pork And Beans Recipe
Course: Main DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes1
hour320
kcalPork And Beans Recipe Ingredients and Instructions
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into cubes
2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper or celery for extra flavor
Directions
- Prepare the Pork: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the pork cubes and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Brown the pork on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the pork and set it aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the browned pork back into the pot. Stir in the baked beans (with their sauce), ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Mix everything together well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or more brown sugar if needed.
- Serve: Serve the pork and beans hot, garnished with optional fresh herbs or extra pepper if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
Serving Suggestions for Pork and Beans:
- Serve with Cornbread: A warm, buttery cornbread makes the perfect side to soak up the delicious pork and beans sauce.
- Add a Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pork and beans. Try adding some cucumber, arugula, or mixed greens.
- Serve Over Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the pork and beans over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. It’s a filling, comforting combo.
- Top with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions on top of the pork and beans to add a fresh, bright flavor.
- Grilled Vegetables on the Side: Pair with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a nice balance of flavors and textures.
How to Store Pork and Beans:
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftover pork and beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
- Freezing for Later: If you’d like to save it for later, pork and beans can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the pork and beans in a pot over low heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a small amount of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes! While dried beans are often used in traditional pork and beans recipes, using canned beans can save time. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the recipe.
2. What type of pork should I use for this recipe?
You can use pork shoulder, pork belly, or even pork loin for this recipe. Pork shoulder is particularly great because it becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks. You can also use ground pork or cubed pork if you prefer.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a little heat, try adding a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the beans. You can also season with red pepper flakes or chili powder to kick up the spice level.
4. Can I make Pork and Beans in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can cook this dish in a slow cooker. Just brown the pork in a pan first, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the beans and other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the pork is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Can I make Pork and Beans without bacon?
While bacon adds a lot of flavor, you can absolutely make this dish without it. Instead, try using a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to get that smoky flavor without the bacon. You can also add extra seasonings to boost the flavor.
