Aunt Ann'S Baked Beans
A hearty baked bean dish featuring savory pork, rich tomato flavor, and tender beans, perfect for family gatherings or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the dried beans overnight in water.
- Place all ingredients, including soaked beans, chopped onion, tomato juice, salt pork or bacon, ham hock, salt, and pepper, into a bean pot.
- Pour hot water over all ingredients until it is about 1 inch above the beans.
- Cover the bean pot and bake at 225°F (107°C) for 6 hours.
- During baking, check the beans for dryness and add a little hot water if necessary.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider substituting the salt pork with a smoky bacon or even turkey bacon for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add a splash of liquid smoke. Soaking the beans overnight helps them cook evenly, but if you're short on time, a quick soak method can work too.
Serving Suggestions
Aunt Ann's Baked Beans are perfect as a hearty side dish for barbecues or potlucks. They pair beautifully with grilled meats and are a great complement to dishes like the Hash Brown Skillet Breakfast. Serve them alongside cornbread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water if they seem too thick. They also freeze well for up to three months; thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Ann'S Baked Beans contains roughly 80 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 618mg per serving (27% 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 canned beans instead of dried for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If you do, skip the soaking step and reduce the baking time to about 1-2 hours, just enough to blend the flavors. Be sure to rinse and drain the canned beans to remove excess sodium.
What can I use instead of a bean pot?
If you don't have a bean pot, a Dutch oven or any oven-safe pot with a lid can work just as well. The key is to maintain moisture during cooking, so ensure it is covered tightly during baking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the salt pork, bacon, and ham hock. You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor, or incorporate smoked paprika for that smoky taste.
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).