Southern-style pork and beans

Southern-style pork and beans is a hearty, sweet, and tangy dish that is a staple in Southern cuisine, embodying the rich flavors and comforting qualities of down-home cooking. This dish combines the savory taste of pork with the earthiness of beans, resulting in a satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to backyard BBQs.

Ingredients for Southern-style Pork and Beans

Bacon: 1 pound, thick-sliced and diced.
Pork Butt: 1 to 1 1/2 pounds, cubed.
Onion: 1 medium, diced.
Beans: 48 ounces of canned navy, pinto, or cannellini beans, undrained to retain all their flavorful liquid.

Sauce Ingredients

Ketchup: 2 cups, serving as the base for the sauce.
Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, adding a hint of sweetness.
Ground Mustard: 2 tablespoons, for tang.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, for depth of flavor.
Salt & Pepper: 1 teaspoon each, for seasoning.

Preparation Instructions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
In a large skillet, cook the bacon and pork until they start to brown. Add in the onion and continue to cook until everything is nicely browned.
Combine the meat and onion mixture with the undrained beans in a large, oven-safe dish.
Prepare the sauce by mixing the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this over the beans and meat, stirring well to coat everything.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until everything is cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can use either a skillet over medium-low heat on the stovetop or the microwave, heating in 30-second increments until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

This dish is rich in proteins from the pork and beans, offering around 409 calories per serving, with 40g of carbohydrates, 21g of protein, and 18g of fat. It's also a good source of dietary fiber and iron, thanks to the beans.

FAQ about Southern-style Pork and Beans

Can I use different types of beans? Yes, navy, pinto, or cannellini beans all work well in this recipe.
Is it necessary to drain the beans? No, the liquid from the canned beans contributes to the sauce's flavor.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? Yes, adjustments for cooking in a slow cooker or Instant Pot are provided in the recipe to accommodate different cooking methods.

Southern-style pork and beans is a comforting dish that combines simple ingredients to create a flavor-packed meal that's synonymous with Southern hospitality and warmth. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit.