This mouthwatering Homemade Pork and Beans recipe is an elevated version of the canned dish we all know. This classic comfort dish combines tender beans with smoky bacon and flavorful sausage, simmered in a rich and aromatic sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or weekend gatherings, this hearty dish is sure to become a new favorite at your table.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quality Ingredients: Making pork and beans from scratch allows you to control the quality of the ingredients. You can choose high-quality beans, fresh pork, and flavorful seasonings, resulting in a more delicious and nutritious dish.
- Easy to customize: You can adjust the seasoning, sweetness level, and type of beans to create a dish that perfectly suits your taste.
- Healthier Option: These can be made with less sugar, sodium, and preservatives compared to canned versions. You have the flexibility to use healthier ingredients and control the amount of added salt and sugar in the recipe.
- Cost-Effectiveness: If you’re cooking for a large family or making a big batch to freeze for later this is definitely a cheap meal.
What Type of Beans to Use
Here are some options:
- 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, they can be a delicious alternative for a variation on the classic dish
What Type of Pork to Use
If you want to keep it simple, my recommendations are bacon, sausage (rounds), ground sausage, or diced ham.
This recipe also works great if using are using leftover Pulled Pork (my Traeger Smoked Pulled Pork will work wonderfully).
Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, is a popular choice for pork and beans. It has a good balance of meat and fat, which adds flavor and richness to the dish. Pork shoulder becomes tender and succulent when slow-cooked, making it perfect for simmering in the bean mixture.
Pork belly is another flavorful option. It has a higher fat content compared to pork shoulder, which adds richness and depth to the dish. Pork belly can be braised or roasted before being added to the beans for added flavor and texture. Check out my Traeger Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends recipe.
Ham hocks are smoked or cured pork knuckles that would add a smoky flavor to this dish. I recommend simmering the ham hock in water until it completely softens, then add it to the pork and beans mixture.
A smoked turkey leg or wing would work the same way as using a ham hock.
Spices and Seasoning
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.
How to Make 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.
How to Store
Store leftovers tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
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.
Freezer Tips
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
Fried Potatoes and Onions
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Broccoli Au Gratin
Slow Cooker Crockpot Glazed Carrots
Roasted Okra
If you want to use dry beans in the recipe check out my Slow Cooker Pinto Beans with Smoked Turkey and Instant Pot Black Beans.
Homemade Pork and Beans
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.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1-3 tablespoons brown sugar or sweetener I use 1 1/2 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,