Need a quick and easy baked bean recipe that the whole family will love? This old-fashioned pork and beans recipe is easy to make and takes canned pork and beans to the next level.
Canned pork and beans are a beloved pantry staple thanks to their convenience, long shelf life, and versatility. The combination of protein-rich pork, fiber-filled beans, and savory sauce makes them a satisfying addition to many meals and recipes. But while some people prefer heating up canned pork and beans before eating, others enjoy eating them chilled straight from the can. So is it actually safe to eat canned pork and beans without cooking or warming them first?
Understanding Canned Pork and Beans
Put dried beans, cured pork like ham or bacon, tomatoes, sugar or molasses, and spices in a sauce and cook them together. This makes canned pork and beans. After being put into cans, this mixture is heated to a high level during the canning process to kill any bacteria that might be there. The cans are then stored until ready for use.
During canning, the contents of the can reach temperatures of 240°F or above. This high heat kills any dangerous bacteria, parasites or other pathogens that could cause foodborne illness. So technically, canned pork and beans are fully cooked inside the can.
However, pork and beans do have the potential to spoil over time. Bacteria like Clostridium botulinum can produce toxins inside improperly stored cans, causing botulism poisoning. Following safe storage and handling practices minimizes this risk.
Is It Safe to Eat Canned Pork and Beans Cold?
Experts in food safety say that shelf-stable canned pork and beans are safe to eat straight from the can without any extra cooking as long as these rules are followed:
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Inspect cans for damage, rust, bulging or leaks before opening. Discard any potentially compromised cans.
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Check the “best by” date and do not eat expired pork and beans.
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Store unopened cans in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight. Avoid temperature extremes.
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Refrigerate opened cans within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days Do not store at room temperature
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Ensure the can lining does not have cracks, bubbles, pitting or rust before eating.
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Discard cans with foul odors, sliminess or any other signs of spoilage.
As long as canned pork and beans show no signs of spoilage, damage or contamination, it is considered safe for consumption directly from the container without cooking
However, chilling canned foods like pork and beans after opening is still generally recommended by health agencies, even though the risk of foodborne illness remains low.
Reasons Some Choose to Heat Canned Pork and Beans
While completely safe to eat cold, some people still prefer warming canned pork and beans for the following reasons:
Improved texture – Cold beans tend to be mushier and soggy. Heating makes them more firm.
Enhanced flavor – Many find the taste and aroma improves when heated.
Reduced risk – Heating provides an extra safeguard against potential toxins.
Warming effect – Hot food can be comforting on cold days or nights.
Pairing purposes – Warm beans work better in some dishes or alongside certain foods.
So while not a food safety necessity, heating or cooking canned pork and beans can make them more palatable for some people based on preferences.
Tips for Safely Cooking Canned Pork and Beans
If you opt to heat canned pork and beans, follow these recommendations:
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Transfer beans to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Do not cook in the can.
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Heat beans until hot throughout, reaching at least 165°F internally. Bring just to a boil on the stovetop.
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Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching or scalding.
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Portion out only the beans needed for a particular recipe or meal if not using the entire can.
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Refrigerate or freeze unused heated beans in shallow airtight containers within 2 hours.
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Reheat leftover beans thoroughly before serving again.
Cooking canned pork and beans helps intensify their flavor. But be sure to store leftovers properly to minimize the risk of spoilage.
Nutrition Profile of Canned Pork and Beans
Canned pork and beans offer a mix of plant and animal proteins along with fiber, vitamins and minerals. Here is the general nutrition profile per 1/2 cup serving:
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Calories: 150-250
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Fat: 0-5g
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Carbs: 20-40g
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Protein: 5-10g
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Fiber: 5-12g
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Sodium: 300-700mg
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Sugar: 5-15g
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Iron: 10-20% DV
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Potassium: 10-25% DV
The exact amounts vary between brands based on ingredients. Beans provide fiber, protein, iron, potassium and B vitamins. Pork adds protein and fat. Choose low-sodium, low-sugar varieties when possible. Compare labels to find the healthiest canned version.
Potential Downsides of Canned Pork and Beans
Despite their nutrition and convenience factors, some potential downsides of canned pork and beans include:
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High sodium content in many popular brands
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Added sugar in certain varieties with molasses or brown sugar
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Not as nutritious as homemade beans and pork
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Quality of ingredients may not be as high in some brands
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Potential presence of BPA in can linings of certain companies
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Higher cost compared to dry beans prepared from scratch
To maximize nutritional benefit, look for low-sodium, no added sugar options or create homemade baked beans using dry beans and fresh pork. But for an easy, budget-friendly option, canned beans are hard to beat nutritionally.
Tips for Choosing Healthy Canned Pork and Beans
When selecting canned pork and beans, look for the following characteristics:
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Low sodium varieties (under 350mg per serving)
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No added sugars or reduced sugar content
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Short ingredient lists with beans, pork, tomato, onion, garlic, spices
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Cans labeled BPA-free
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Major brands that meet food safety standards
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Unopened cans free of damage, rust, dents or swelling
Avoid canned bean varieties with high sodium, excessive added sugar, artificial additives and preservatives when possible by comparing nutrition labels. This ensures the healthiest choice.
The Verdict
Enjoying canned pork and beans straight from the can without heating is generally considered safe by food authorities. But for improved texture and flavor, briefly cooking or microwaving them until hot is recommended. Be sure to store opened cans in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving again. When shopping, choose low-sodium, reduced-sugar varieties with minimal ingredients for optimal nutrition. While not as nutritious as homemade, canned pork and beans remain a fast, budget-friendly pantry staple for a quick protein and fiber boost. Just take care to store, handle and inspect cans properly. Then enjoy pork and beans chilled or heated based on your preferences.
How to make Baked Beans with pork and beans
We’re combining all our ingredients in one of two vessels. If you’re baking these in the oven, you’ll need a casserole dish.
- Step 1: Okay, we’re going to use a big can of beans and spice it up with some seasonings and spices. Bacon, of course. You can add more bacon if you want, but my recipe only calls for two slices. In the pan go chopped onion, yellow mustard that has been made, molasses, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Step 2: Put foil over it and bake it for 90 minutes.
The recipe is super easy, right? I promise it’s easier to make than it is to pronounce Worcestershire.
To make baked beans in the crockpot
You can make the entire recipe in the slow cooker. I like to cook the bacon ahead of time in a skillet.
If the beans look too thin, take the lid off of the crock pot with baked beans about 30 minutes before serving to thicken them. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate.
You can find instructions to make the baked beans slow cooker recipe below!
Pork and Beans | Cold Can Reviews
FAQ
Can I eat canned pork and beans?
Can you eat beans straight out of a can?
Can you eat pork and beans cold?
Can you eat pork and beans by itself?
Should you open a can of pork & beans?
One of your concerns when opening a can of pork and beans is probably the lack of meat. Did you know that the pork is really just for flavoring and it’s not really meant to be meaty at all? Smoked and dried pork is super flavorful. Think bacon, jamon , proscuitto, and guanciale. That’s why there’s only a chunk of pork or two in your can!
Can one eat pork?
A cooked, medium pork cutlet or steak provides 239 calories, 34 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 697 milligrams sodium, and 0 grams carbohydrate, if you eat only the lean part of the steak. Pork contains many of the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) found in beef and it is high in protein, but can be lower in fat than beef—depending on cut and preparation. Meat from any kind of mammal, including pork, can cause an allergic reaction (and some people who are allergic to mammalian meat also react to poultry).
What to do with a can of pork & beans?
Not everyone likes a can of pork and beans. This meat-and-bean combo is a staple in many kitchens but few know more to do with it than opening the can, dumping it into a bowl, and serving it with toasted bread. There have to be more ways to use this can, right? You’re right.
Can you eat canned beans from a can?
According to Martha Stewart magazine, the answer is no — beans are edible straight from the can. However, there are some important caveats to consider. Per Martha Stewart magazine, canned beans typically come in a super-salty liquid — even varieties labeled “low sodium” can contain a significant amount of salt.