If you’re looking for a dish that’s both hearty and packed with flavor, this Double Pork Baked Beans recipe is a winner. Combining the rich taste of bacon with the savory depth of pulled pork, these beans are a perfect side dish for any barbecue or family meal. The sweet and tangy sauce complements the beans perfectly, making them a standout addition to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 2 cups pulled pork
- 2 cups organic ketchup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon dark molasses
- ½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce (or more for spicier beans)
- 2 cans red kidney beans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
- 1 can white beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the beans will bake evenly.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon becomes crispy and golden, about 7-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet; it will add flavor to the beans.
2. Prepare the Base:
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This step develops a rich base flavor for the beans.
- Add Pulled Pork: Stir in the pulled pork, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. This allows the pork to soak up some of the bacon fat and onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, water, garlic powder, black pepper, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, dark molasses, and Tabasco sauce. Stir until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. The sauce is the key to making the beans flavorful and rich.
4. Mix Beans and Sauce:
- Combine Beans: Add the drained and rinsed red kidney beans, white beans, and pinto beans to the skillet with the pulled pork and onions. Stir to combine.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the bean mixture. Stir gently to ensure that all the beans and pork are evenly coated with the sauce. This will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.
5. Bake the Beans:
- Transfer to Baking Dish: If you used a skillet, transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. If you used a Dutch oven, you can bake the beans in it directly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 45-60 minutes. The beans are done when the sauce is thickened and bubbly. Stir occasionally to promote even cooking and prevent sticking. The baking process allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
6. Serve:
- Cool Slightly: After baking, let the beans cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken further.
- Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, you can garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra bacon bits. This adds a nice visual appeal and enhances the flavor.
Tips for Perfect Baked Beans
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjusting the spice level allows you to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
- Quality Bacon: Using thick-cut bacon will result in a richer flavor and a crispier texture. The bacon fat is crucial for adding depth to the beans.
- Pulled Pork: You can use leftover pulled pork or pre-cooked pulled pork for convenience. If buying pre-cooked pulled pork, choose a flavor that complements the beans.
- Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and pulled pork. You can add extra beans or vegetables for texture and flavor.
This Double Pork Baked Beans recipe is a robust and satisfying dish that combines the richness of bacon and pulled pork with a flavorful, sweet, and tangy sauce. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish to your favorite meals. The blend of beans and pork with the savory sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Enjoy the hearty taste of these baked beans, and watch as they become a favorite at your table!
