Alma'S Easy Baked Beans
Alma's Easy Baked Beans combine smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and sweet-savory sauce for a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family gatherings or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 4 medium onions ⓘ
- 1 or 2 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 lb. smoked sausage or fresh Polish sausage ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dry mustard
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup navy beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can butter beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can pork and beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry the bacon, drain, and crumble it.
- Saute the chopped onions in the bacon fat.
- Brown the smoked sausage in the bacon fat.
- Heat together the dry mustard, salt, pepper, vinegar, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.
- Mix all the ingredients together in a large pot.
- Simmer on the stove for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or in a crock-pot for several hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the mix. If you're short on time, pre-cooked beans can be used instead of dried ones. You can also replace the bacon with turkey bacon for a healthier option. Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar to your taste, making it a versatile addition to your repertoire of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Alma's Easy Baked Beans as a hearty side dish at barbecues or potlucks. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, such as burgers or chicken, and are a great companion to dishes like Carolyn's Roasted Garlic Pork Supper. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Consider serving with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, adding a splash of water if they seem dry. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alma'S Easy Baked Beans contains roughly 892 calories, with 22g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1966mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage or Polish sausage is recommended for this dish, feel free to experiment with other types, such as chorizo or kielbasa, for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the sausage is fully cooked before adding it to the beans for optimal taste.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of Alma's Easy Baked Beans, omit the bacon and sausage. You can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of the bacon fat for sautéing the onions, and add extra beans or vegetables to enhance the dish's heartiness.
What can I serve with baked beans?
Baked beans are incredibly versatile and complement a variety of dishes. They pair well with grilled meats, such as ribs or chicken, and are a staple at barbecues. Consider serving them alongside cornbread, coleslaw, or potato salad. For a comforting meal, they also make a great side for Beth's Ham Ball or any hearty pork recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).