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Baked Beans With Pulled Pork
This pulled pork baked beans recipe is a flavorful twist on classic baked beans. The key addition is tender cooked pulled pork, giving the dish its own character while keeping the thick, sweet-and-savory barbecue flavor that makes baked beans a cookout favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
Canned baked beans provide a seasoned foundation, so the recipe is easy to prepare. Onion and bell pepper add freshness and texture. Barbecue sauce, mustard and Worcestershire create tang, while brown sugar adds caramel-like sweetness. The special addition of tender cooked pulled pork separates this recipe from ordinary baked beans.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28 oz each) baked beans, undrained
- Tender Cooked Pulled Pork
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Black pepper to taste
- Water as needed
How to Make Baked Beans With Pulled Pork
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the tender cooked pulled pork and dice the vegetables.
- If the recipe contains meat, brown or partially cook it as appropriate and drain excess grease.
- Pour the baked beans and their sauce into a large casserole dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Stir in barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika and garlic powder.
- Fold in the vegetables and tender cooked pulled pork until evenly distributed.
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 50 minutes, stirring once if needed.
- Remove when bubbling around the edges and thick enough to coat a spoon. Rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Thick, Flavorful Baked Beans
Do not drain the canned baked beans because their sauce becomes part of the recipe. If the mixture gets too thick, stir in water a tablespoon or two at a time. If it looks watery, continue baking uncovered. Since canned beans and barbecue sauces differ in sweetness and salt, taste before adding extra seasoning.
Flavor Variations
Add cayenne or hot sauce for heat. Maple syrup can replace some brown sugar, while molasses creates a darker flavor. Smoked paprika is useful when you want smoke without a smoker. Chopped red or green peppers can add extra color and texture.
What to Serve With It
Serve these beans with ribs, brisket, pulled pork, grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, cornbread, coleslaw, potato salad or grilled corn. A larger serving can also work as a casual meal alongside rice or baked potatoes.
Recommended Amazon Kitchen Tool
Lodge 12-Inch Cast-Iron Skillet
A large cast-iron skillet is useful for browning ingredients and baking hearty bean recipes. Check Amazon for current product details and availability.
Check Price on AmazonMake Ahead and Storage
Assemble the beans in advance, cover and refrigerate until cooking time. Refrigerate cooked leftovers promptly in an airtight container and use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently and add a small splash of water if the sauce has become unusually thick.
Baked Beans With Pulled Pork Recipe Card
Oven: 350°F
Cook: approximately 35–50 minutes
Main flavor: tender cooked pulled pork
Best use: BBQ side dish, potluck recipe or family meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I drain baked beans?
No. Keep the seasoned sauce from the can because it helps form the finished sauce.
How do I thicken baked beans?
Bake them uncovered so excess moisture can evaporate. They will also become thicker after resting for several minutes.
Can I prepare them ahead?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover and refrigerate it, then bake before serving. A cold casserole may need a little additional cooking time.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a sufficiently large baking dish and allow additional time if the deeper mixture takes longer to heat through.
More Baked Bean Ideas
Try our loaded baked beans, cowboy baked beans, brisket baked beans and other recipes in this series.
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