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Pork and Butter Beans

This hearty Pork and Butter Beans recipe combines tender pork with creamy butter beans in a savory, comforting sauce. It’s an easy Southern-style meal that’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for serving with cornbread or rice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lbs 680 g pork shoulder or pork stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cans 15 oz / 425 g each butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups 720 ml chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 bay leaf

Method
 

  1. Brown the pork: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the pork with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the pork and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Cook the aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Add the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme and bay leaf. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 50–60 minutes, or until the pork is tender.
  5. Add the beans: Stir in the drained butter beans. Simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and the broth to thicken slightly.
  6. Adjust the seasoning: Remove the bay leaf and taste. Add more salt and black pepper if needed.
  7. Serve: Spoon the pork and butter beans into bowls and serve hot with cornbread, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • Pork shoulder works especially well because it becomes tender during slow simmering.
  • For a thicker consistency, gently mash a small portion of the butter beans into the broth.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.