Every time my grandmother visits, she brings with her a special recipe that always makes dinner memorable. This tender, 4-ingredient dish is not just easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly juicy and packed with flavor. The comforting combination of pork and butter beans is so delicious that our family scrapes the pot clean every single time. Let’s dive into why you should make this simple dinner and how to bring it to your table.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy families who want a hearty meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. With just four ingredients and a slow cooker, you can spend your day doing other things while your dinner cooks itself. The result is tender pork that melts in your mouth, paired with creamy butter beans. It’s a meal that brings everyone together and keeps them coming back for more.
How to Make Tender Pork and Butter Beans
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder (pork butt), cut into thick 3-inch chunks
- 3 cans (15 to 16 ounces each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
Directions
- Pat the pork shoulder chunks dry with paper towels.
- Place the drained and rinsed butter beans in an even layer in the slow cooker.
- Lay the pork shoulder pieces on top of the butter beans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth and dry onion soup mix until dissolved.
- Pour the mixture over the pork and butter beans, ensuring the pork is mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is tender.
- Skim off excess fat if desired, stir gently, and serve with gravy over the pork and beans.
How to Serve Tender Pork and Butter Beans
This dish is best served hot. You can ladle the pork and beans onto plates and drizzle some of the delicious gravy over the top. It pairs well with simple sides like crusty bread or a fresh salad. Make sure to have enough for seconds, because everyone will want more!
How to Store Tender Pork and Butter Beans
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for later enjoyment. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Tender Pork and Butter Beans
- Make sure to pat the pork dry; this helps it brown better.
- You can add some diced onions or garlic for extra flavor.
- If you like a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes to the broth mixture.
Variation
You can easily switch this recipe up by using different types of beans, like kidney beans or black beans, for a twist on the original version. You can also add vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use a different cut of pork like pork loin, but it may not be as tender as pork shoulder.
2. Can I cook this recipe in the oven?
While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker, you can adapt it for the oven. Just place everything in a Dutch oven, cover it, and cook at 300°F (150°C) for about 3 to 4 hours.
3. Is it okay to use regular beef broth?
Yes, you can use regular beef broth if you don’t have low-sodium on hand. Just keep in mind the salt content in the final dish.
Tender Pork and Butter Beans
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the pork shoulder chunks dry with paper towels.
- Place the drained and rinsed butter beans in an even layer in the slow cooker.
- Lay the pork shoulder pieces on top of the butter beans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth and dry onion soup mix until dissolved.
- Pour the mixture over the pork and butter beans, ensuring the pork is mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is tender.
- Skim off excess fat if desired, stir gently, and serve with gravy over the pork and beans.
