Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Salt + Smoke›Pit Beans With Smoked Bacon Recipe

Pit Beans With Smoked Bacon Recipe

Inspired by Salt + Smoke
Time4h
Serves6

Make Pit Beans With Smoked Bacon Recipe in just 4h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Beans

Bacon and Seasoning

Method

Preparing the Beans

  1. 1

    Soak the Beans

    In a large bowl, combine the dried pinto beans with enough water to cover them by a few inches. Allow the beans to soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.

  2. 2

    Cook the Beans

    Drain and rinse the soaked beans. In a large pot, add the drained beans and 8 cups of fresh water. Add 1 tsp of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beans are tender.

Cooking the Bacon and Seasoning

  1. 3

    Cook the Bacon

    In a separate skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.

  2. 4

    Sauté the Aromatics

    In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

  3. 5

    Combine Ingredients

    Crumbled the cooked bacon and add it back to the skillet along with the brown sugar, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Bringing it All Together

  1. 6

    Mix Beans with Bacon Mixture

    Once the beans are tender, drain any excess liquid if necessary, and add the bacon and seasoning mixture to the pot of beans. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

  2. 7

    Final Simmer

    Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste.

  3. 8

    Serve

    Serve the pit beans hot as a side dish or main course, garnished with fresh herbs or additional bacon if desired.

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