Classic Pork and Beans Recipe
A traditional homemade pork and beans recipe with tender beans cooked with savory pork in a sweet tomato sauce, baked for deep, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried navy or great northern beans rinsed and soaked
- 8 oz salt pork diced (or bacon or ham hock)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp blackstrap molasses
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Water enough to cover beans during soaking and cooking
Instructions
- Rinse and soak the dried beans in cold water overnight, then drain.
- Simmer the soaked beans in fresh water for about 1.5 hours or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté the diced salt pork or bacon until crispy, saving about 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat.
- In a saucepan, combine the saved fat, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and smoked paprika. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked beans, crispy pork, and sauce. Repeat layers twice.
- Bake uncovered at 300°F (150°C) for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
- Check the beans for tenderness and ensure the sauce clings to them without being runny.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
