You already know I don’t do bland beans over here. If we’re making homemade pork and beans, they’re going to be rich, saucy, and seasoned like somebody’s Southern auntie is coming over. Growing up around real comfort food taught me quick that beans aren’t supposed to taste straight out the can. They need a little sweetness, a little smoke, and pork that actually flavors the pot.
I’ve been sharing soul-food style recipes for years, and this is one of those back-pocket staples that just works. Simple ingredients, layered flavor, and no guessing games.
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Pork and Beans Ingredients:
- Canned Beans: Navy beans are the traditional choice for pork and beans. They have a mild flavor and a creamy texture, which makes them ideal for absorbing the flavors of the pork and the sauce. You can also use Great Northern, pinto, kidney, or black beans.
- Bacon: If you want to keep it simple, my recommendations are bacon, sausage (rounds), ground sausage, smoked turkey, or diced ham. This recipe also works great if using are using leftover Pulled Pork (my Traeger Smoked Pulled Pork will work wonderfully).
- Sausage
- BBQ Sauce
- Ketchup
- Chili Powder
- Brown Sugar or Sweetener
How to Make Homemade Pork and Beans
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add the bacon and sausage rounds. Cook until the bacon is crisp and the sausage has browned.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add in beans, ketchup, BBQ sauce, chili powder, and brown sugar or sweetener. Stir.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer.
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If you want to use dry beans in the recipe check out my Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Instant Pot Black Beans.
Homemade Pork and Beans
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also grab your FREE ebook with my best 30-minute one-pot meals! Dinner stress stops here.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-4 slices bacon
- 6-8 oz sausage Cut into rounds. I used smoked sausage.
- 28-30 oz canned beans Drained. I used navy beans.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1-3 tablespoons brown sugar or sweetener I use 1 ½ tablespoons. Adjust to taste.
Instructions
- Heat a skillet on medium high heat and add the bacon and sausage rounds. Cook until the bacon is crisp and the sausage has browned.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add in beans, ketchup, BBQ sauce, chili powder, and brown sugar or sweetener. Stir. Taste the mixture repeatedly to ensure the flavor meets your tastes. I don't add any salt because I feel the bacon adds enough. Taste and decide if you want to add salt or any other flavor.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
Notes
- Navy Beans: Navy beans are the traditional choice for pork and beans. They have a mild flavor and a creamy texture, which makes them ideal for absorbing the flavors of the pork and the sauce.
- Great Northern Beans: Similar to navy beans, great northern beans are creamy and mild in flavor. They hold their shape well during cooking and pair nicely with pork.
- Pinto Beans: Pinto beans have a slightly earthy flavor and a creamy texture. They add depth.
- Kidney Beans: Kidney beans have a robust flavor and a firm texture.
- Black Beans: Black beans have a rich, earthy flavor and a creamy texture. While they are not typically used in traditional pork and beans recipes,
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
I like to season this very similarly to how I season my Southern Baked Beans and Smoked Baked Beans with Ground Beef using my Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub, ketchup, and BBQ sauce.
Don’t overcook them, and avoid stirring constantly. Let them simmer gently.
Let it simmer uncovered so it reduces naturally. The beans will release starch and help thicken everything. If you need it thicker, mash a small scoop of beans and stir them back in.
Yes, and honestly it tastes even better the next day. The flavors settle and deepen overnight. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add a little water or broth to thin it out.
Stovetop: Transfer the dish to a saucepan or skillet and heat them over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Heat until the beans are warmed through and the pork is heated to your desired temperature.
Microwave: Place the pork and beans in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the beans are heated through and the pork is warmed to your liking. Be cautious not to overheat to avoid drying out the dish.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Transfer to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the dish is heated through.
Slow Cooker: Transfer the dish to a slow cooker and heat on the low setting for 2-4 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is convenient if you want to keep the meal warm for an extended period, such as for a party or gathering.
Store leftovers tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.
Use airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags for storage. Ensure they are designed for freezing to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. You can freeze them for 2-3 months for best flavor. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
Pair With These Recipes
Slow Cooker Crockpot BBQ Spare Ribs
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs
Fried Potatoes and Onions
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Broccoli Au Gratin
Roasted Okra
baltisraul says
I just used Showtime Pork 'n Beans and then did your recipe.Also good is Wagonwheel or Van Camp Pork& Beans.
baltisraul says
I just used Showtime Pork 'n Beans and then did your recipe.Also good is Wagonwheel or Van Camp Pork& Beans.
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm so glad to hear it.