Pork and Beans is a simple, comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. It combines the smoky flavor of bacon with tender pork and creamy beans, making it a family favorite. Perfect for chilly nights, this recipe is about filling your belly and your heart.
Why Make This Recipe
This dish is great for busy days when you want something hearty but easy to prepare. It uses common ingredients and comes together in one pot, which means less cleanup for you! Plus, it’s a great way to use up beans and enjoy a taste of home-cooked goodness.
How to Make Pork and Beans
Ingredients:
- Thick-cut bacon
- Pork pieces
- Canned beans (or soaked and boiled dry beans)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Brown sugar
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- In a large pot, cook the thick-cut bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in the soaked and boiled beans (or canned beans), diced pork, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Crumble the reserved bacon and add it back to the pot.
- Simmer the mixture for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve hot.
How to Serve Pork and Beans
Serve your Pork and Beans hot in a bowl. It’s delicious on its own or with some bread on the side. You can also top it with green onions or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra touch.
How to Store Pork and Beans
Let the dish cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Pork and Beans
- If you want extra flavor, try using different types of beans or adding some spices like paprika or cayenne pepper.
- Make sure not to overcook the beans if you’re using dried beans. They should be tender but not mushy.
- For a smoky taste, you can add a bit of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika.
Variation
If you’d like a vegetarian version, simply skip the bacon and pork. Instead, add some chopped bell peppers and extra spices to make it flavorful.
FAQs
Q: Can I use any type of beans?
A: Yes! You can use any beans you like, such as kidney beans, navy beans, or black beans.
Q: Is it better to use fresh or canned beans?
A: Canned beans are quicker and more convenient, but soaking and boiling dry beans can enhance the flavor.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just reheat before serving.
Pork and Beans
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Pork and Beans is a simple, comforting one-pot dish made with smoky bacon, tender pork, and creamy beans simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for chilly nights and busy days.
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 lb pork pieces, diced
- 2 cups canned beans (or soaked and boiled dry beans)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the thick-cut bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in the beans, diced pork, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Crumble the reserved bacon and add it back to the pot.
- Simmer the mixture for 20–30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot in a bowl, optionally topped with green onions or cheese.
Notes
- Use different types of beans for variety and added flavor.
- Don’t overcook dried beans; they should be tender, not mushy.
- Add liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the pork and bacon and add bell peppers and extra spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: pork and beans, comfort food, one pot meals, easy dinner, smoky pork, hearty beans