Southern-Style Crockpot Pork & Pinto Beans Recipe
Nothing Like Some Good ‘Ole Pork & Beans!
Southern-Style Crockpot Pork & Pinto Beans is a tasty and simple recipe that's ideal for a cozy dinner or a family gathering. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation in the southern United States and is a favorite in many households. In this blog post, I’ll go over the ingredients and steps for making this delectable dish, as well as some helpful hints to make your cooking experience even more enjoyable.
Ingredients:
Smoked Pork: The smoked pork is the main ingredient in this recipe. Smoked ham hocks, smoked pork chops, or smoked ham shanks can all be used. The smokiness of the meat adds a depth of flavor to the dish that regular pork cannot match.
Pinto Beans: The pinto beans are a necessary component of this recipe. They give the dish texture and protein, making it hearty and filling. This recipe can be made with either canned or dry pinto beans. If using dried beans, soak them overnight before cooking.
Water: Water is required to cook the beans and pork in the crockpot. You can adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired consistency.
Chicken Bouillon Cubes: The chicken bouillon cubes add flavor to the dish while also aiding in the tenderization of the meat.
Onion: The onion gives the dish a sweet and savory flavor, making it more aromatic and flavorful.
Steps:
Add the diced smoked pork to the crockpot.
Peel and dice your onion, then add it to the crockpot.
In the crockpot, combine the pinto beans, chicken bouillon cubes, and water. Stir everything together until the bouillon cubes are completely dissolved.
Cook for 8-10 hours on low heat. The longer the pork and beans are cooked, the more tender they will become.
When finished, serve with fried potatoes, coleslaw, and cornbread. This dish goes well with any southern-style side dishes and is the ultimate comfort food.
Tips:
For the best flavor, use smoked pork. If you can't find smoked pork, you can substitute regular pork, but the flavor will be different.
If using dry beans, soak them overnight. This will help to shorten the cooking time and tenderize the beans.
You can adjust the amount of water to your liking. Use less water if you want a thicker consistency, and more water if you want a thinner consistency.
If you like your food spicy, add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper. This will give the dish a little extra kick and flavor.
Finally, Southern-Style Crockpot Pork & Pinto Beans is a traditional southern dish that is suitable for any occasion. Its hearty and filling nature will satisfy your cravings while also warming your soul. Follow the steps and tips in this blog post to make a delicious and comforting meal that your family and friends will enjoy.
The History of Pork & Beans
Southern-Style Crockpot Pork & Pinto Beans is a traditional southern dish passed down from generation to generation. This dish is thought to have originated in the southern United States, where pinto beans and pork were readily available and were a staple in many people's diets. The combination of these two ingredients, along with other flavors like onion and chicken bouillon, results in a hearty and flavorful dish that is suitable for any occasion.
Pinto beans have a long history in the Americas, having been cultivated for thousands of years by Native American tribes. When European settlers arrived in the Americas, they quickly incorporated beans into their diet, and pinto beans became an important part of their cuisine. Because pinto beans are high in protein, fiber, and nutrients, they are a healthy addition to any meal.
Pork, on the other hand, has been a southern cooking staple for centuries. Many southern families raised pigs, and the meat was used in a variety of dishes, including ham, bacon, sausage, and smoked pork. Smoking meat was a method of preserving it prior to the availability of refrigeration, and it also added a smoky flavor that enhanced the taste of the meat.
The combination of pinto beans and smoked pork was a natural fit, and the recipe for Southern-Style Crockpot Pork & Pinto Beans was born. Slow-cooking the dish in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld and creates a tender and flavorful meal.
The recipe has evolved over time to include additional ingredients such as diced tomatoes, garlic, and spices, but the core ingredients of pinto beans and smoked pork have not changed. The dish has become a southern cuisine classic and is frequently served with traditional southern sides such as fried potatoes, coleslaw, and cornbread.
The Southern-Style Crockpot Pork & Pinto Beans recipe is a traditional southern dish with a long and rich history. For centuries, the combination of pinto beans and smoked pork has been a staple in southern cooking, and the dish remains a favorite among families and friends today.
What To Serve With Your Pork & Beans?
The Southern-Style Crockpot Pork & Pinto Beans dish is hearty and flavorful, and it goes well with a variety of sides.
Other dishes you could serve with this recipe include:
Cornbread: Cornbread is a traditional southern side dish that goes well with pork and pinto beans. Its slightly sweet, crumbly texture is ideal for soaking up the flavorful juices from the beans. Try My Recipe Here: Granny Sue's Crispy Cornbread Recipe.
Collard Greens: Collard greens are a southern staple that pair well with pork and pinto beans. Slow-cooked with ham hocks or bacon, they add even more flavor to the dish.
Fried Potatoes: Fried potatoes are a simple and tasty side dish that complements the savory flavors of pork and pinto beans. They can be sliced and fried until crispy, or boiled and fried until soft. Try My Recipe Here: Momma’s Water Fried Potatoes (Taters) Recipe.
Coleslaw: A refreshing side dish that complements the rich and savory flavors of pork and pinto beans. Its tangy dressing and crunchy texture complement the dish perfectly.
Mac & Cheese: Mac and cheese is a popular comfort food that goes well with almost anything, including pork and pinto beans. Its creamy, cheesy goodness makes it the ideal side dish to complement the savory flavors of the main course. Try My Recipe Here: Southern-Style Baked Macaroni & Cheese Recipe.
Sweet Potato Casserole: A classic southern side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to the meal, sweet potato casserole. Sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and marshmallows combine to make a deliciously decadent dish.
Green Beans: Green beans are a simple and healthy side dish that goes well with pork and pinto beans. For added flavor, sauté them with garlic and bacon, or simply steam them with salt and pepper. Try My Recipe Here: Granny Sue's Green Beans Recipe.
Biscuits: Biscuits are a traditional southern side dish that are ideal for soaking up the flavorful juices of the beans. To add flavor, serve them warm with a dollop of butter or jam. Try My Recipe Here: Southern Style Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe.
Finally, the Southern-Style Crockpot Pork & Pinto Beans recipe goes well with a wide range of sides, from traditional southern dishes like cornbread and collard greens to comforting sides like mac and cheese and sweet potato casserole.
What To Do With Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers from the Southern-Style Crockpot Pork & Pinto Beans recipe, here are some storage recommendations:
Cool the leftovers: Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. This will prevent condensation from forming and will aid in the prevention of bacterial growth.
Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or a zip-top bag and store in an airtight container. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in and spoiling the food.
Label and date the container as follows: To keep track of how long the leftovers have been stored, write the date on the container. This will assist you in deciding whether to use or discard them.
Refrigerate or freeze leftovers: Refrigerate leftovers if you plan to eat them within a few days. If you aren't going to eat them within a few days, put them in the freezer.
Reheat leftovers properly: To reheat leftovers, place them in a microwave-safe dish and microwave until hot. Alternatively, reheat them in a pot or skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.
Within a reasonable timeframe, use or discard: Leftovers should be consumed within 3-4 days of being refrigerated and within 2-3 months of being frozen.
Following these steps will allow you to safely store any leftovers from the Southern-Style Crockpot Pork & Pinto Beans recipe and enjoy them later.
The Best You’ll Ever Eat!
Finally, the Southern-Style Crockpot Pork & Pinto Beans recipe is not only delicious and filling, but it is also inexpensive. A flavorful and hearty dish that will feed a crowd can be made with just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker. Furthermore, any leftovers can be easily stored and enjoyed later, making this recipe a practical and convenient choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and inexpensive meal that will not disappoint.