Homemade Pork And Beans

This simple stovetop dish is set to become your favorite Pork and Beans recipe! Full of delicious sweet and smokey flavors, it’s the ideal side to serve at your next backyard BBQ!

When you realize how easy it is to make, you’ll never settle for a storebought version again! This recipe uses bacon, brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings, so the flavors really pack a punch! 

Is Pork And Beans Healthy?

While beans are a healthy protein that is high in dietary fiber with no saturated fat, smoked pork (or bacon) contains fat, cholesterol and sodium. As such, this dish is not considered healthy and should be eaten in moderation. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

• dried navy beans
• water
• bacon
• mustard
• molasses
• brown sugar
• ketchup
• Worcestershire Sauce
• chicken broth
• salt

How to Make Pork And Beans

• Add the beans and water to a pot. Cover and allow to soak overnight.
• When you are ready to proceed, drain the old water and add more water (enough to cover the beans by one inch). 
• Put the pot on medium-high heat and cook the beans for 1 hour. In the meantime, cook the bacon. 
• In a nonstick skillet, fry the chopped bacon until almost crispy. Drain the excess fat and set aside.
• Once the beans are cooked, drain the water from the pot. To the same pot, add the rest of the ingredients. Over medium heat, bring to the boil. 
• Reduce the heat to a simmer and leave to cook for one hour, or until the beans are tender. 
• Stir and season to taste. Serve and enjoy! 

Tips For Making The Perfect Pork And Beans

• To make the beans tender, you need to soak them overnight. If you do this before boiling them, your cooking time will be much shorter.
• Use salt, molasses, mustard, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth to make the cooking liquid that gives this dish its incredible flavor. 
• Cut the bacon into small pieces before frying and adding to the dish.

Difference Between Baked Beans and Pork and Beans

Pork and beans is a meatier, savory dish with a thinner broth. With baked beans, ham hock provides the basis of the flavor, together with aromatic vegetables.

Variations

• There’s no shortage of spices you could add to this recipe to make it interesting. Chili powder, paprika, onion salt, oregano, cumin, or cinnamon would work.
• For a slightly sweeter variation, add chopped green bell peppers. For a touch of heat, add sliced jalapeño pepper.
• Use boneless pork shoulder in place of bacon. Simply cook in a separate pan, cut into pieces and add.
• Kidney beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans could all work in this recipe. 

What To Serve With Pork And Beans

Serve pork and beans as a mouthwatering side for pretty much anything, including grilled chicken, pulled pork, ribs, sloppy joes, and more!

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Homemade Pork and Beans Recipe

This simple stovetop dish is set to become your favorite Pork and Beans recipe! Full of delicious sweet and smokey flavors, it’s the ideal side to serve at your next backyard BBQ!

Prep Time 8 hours

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 10 hours

Servings 16 servings

Ingredients

• 3 cups dried navy beans
• water
• 2 pounds bacon chopped
• 1 tbsp mustard Dijon recommended
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt or to taste

Instructions

• In a pot, add the beans and some water. Cover and allow to soak overnight.
• When you are ready to proceed, drain the old water and add more water (enough to cover the beans by one inch).
• Put the pot on medium-high heat and cook the beans for 1 hour. In the meantime, cook the bacon.
• In a nonstick skillet, fry the chopped bacon until almost crispy. Drain the excess fat and set aside.
• Once the beans are cooked, drain the water from the pot. To the same pot, add the rest of the ingredients. Over medium heat, bring to the boil.
• Reduce the heat to a simmer and leave to cook for one hour, or until the beans are tender.
• Stir and season to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Any leftover pork and beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Otherwise, freeze for up to 2 months.
• You can also make this recipe in your slow cooker if you have one! Simply add all the ingredients to the cooker and set on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the beans are tender.