Sweet & Smoky Pork and Beans Over Potatoes

This recipe came together from a TikTok I saw of a Finland school lunch. They served pork gravy over potatoes. It looked so yummy, but I also was having a craving for some BBQ beans. So pork and beans over potatoes was born!

What You’ll Need

For the Pork & Beans

• 1 pound pork, cut into small bite-sized pieces

• 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 4 tablespoons minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon oil

Sauce

• 1 cup BBQ sauce

• 2 tablespoons sriracha

• 2 tablespoons molasses

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 packet pork gravy mix

• 1 cup water

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Pinch of MSG (optional)

For Serving

• Peeled boiled potatoes

How to Make It

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add the pork and minced garlic and cook until the pork is browned and mostly cooked through.

3. In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, sriracha, molasses, tomato paste, pork gravy mix, water, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and MSG if using.

4. Pour the sauce into the pan with the pork and stir well.

5. Add the pinto beans and reduce heat to low.

6. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors come together.

7. Serve over peeled boiled potatoes.

Tips

• Ground pork works great if that’s what you have available.

• Black beans or kidney beans can easily replace pinto beans.

• Want it sweeter? Add a little extra brown sugar or BBQ sauce.

• Want more heat? Add extra sriracha or chili flakes.

• This is also great served over rice, toast, or mashed potatoes.

• Add onions or bell peppers when cooking the pork for extra flavor and vegetables.

• Take the leftover tomato paste and flatten it into a baggie and freeze it. You can easily break off some when you need to use it.