Prep Time::15 mins
Cook Time:: 3 hrs 5 mins
Soak Time:: 8 hrs
Total Time:: 11 hrs 20 mins
Servings::12
Ingredients
Oops! Something went wrong. Our team is working on it.
1 pound dried red beans
3 quarts water
1 bay leaf
1 ½ pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes (Optional)
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 cup barbecue sauce
½ cup ketchup
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 ½ cups reserved bean cooking liquid
6 slices thick-cut bacon
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
ALLRECIPES / SONIA BOZZO
Add dry beans to a bowl, cover with water, and let soak for 8 hours, or overnight.
ALLRECIPES / SONIA BOZZO
Drain beans and transfer to a large pot filled with 3 quarts of cold, fresh water. Add bay leaf, pork shoulder, and onion. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir. Skim off foam if desired. Let simmer until beans are just tender, about 1 hour.
ALLRECIPES / SONIA BOZZO
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir. Skim off foam if desired. Let simmer until beans are just tender, about 1 hour.
ALLRECIPES / SONIA BOZZO
While beans simmer, combine barbecue sauce, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, kosher salt, and garlic powder in a bowl with a whisk. Set aside until needed.
ALLRECIPES / SONIA BOZZO
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Transfer tender bean mixture to a deep, 15×10-inch baking dish using a spider strainer.
ALLRECIPES / SONIA BOZZO
Pour in barbecue sauce mixture and 2 ½ cups of the bean cooking liquid. Place bacon slices on top.
ALLRECIPES / SONIA BOZZO
Bake uncovered in the center of the preheated oven until the liquids have reduced into a thick sauce, 2 to 3 hours.
ALLRECIPES / SONIA BOZZO
Enjoy!
ALLRECIPES / SONIA BOZZO
Chef’s Notes
Any dry bean will work, but red beans are my recommendation.
Baking time will depend on the amount of liquid, as well as the size and shape of the pan, so start checking doneness after 1 1/2 hours, but it may need to bake much longer.