Bacon Southern Baked Beans
Savory baked beans packed with bacon, hamburger, vegetables, and a sweet tangy glaze, perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or potlucks craving hearty comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a frying pan, brown the bacon, hamburger, onion, garlic, and green pepper together.
- Add all ingredients to a crock-pot or oven-safe dish.
- Heat thoroughly until flavors meld and mixture is hot.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if preferred. If you're short on time, canned mushrooms work just as well as fresh. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and hamburger, and add more vegetables or plant-based protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Bacon Southern Baked Beans alongside cornbread or grilled meats for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with Cold Vegetable Medley Salad for a refreshing contrast. These beans also make an excellent side dish for summer barbecues or potlucks, and can be topped with shredded cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You can also freeze the baked beans for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon Southern Baked Beans contains roughly 769 calories, with 33g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value), protein (66% of the Daily Value), and iron (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 601mg per serving (26% 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 make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead. Simply brown the meat and vegetables, combine all ingredients, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the taste.
What can I use instead of pork and beans?
You can substitute the pork and beans with baked beans or any white beans like navy or cannellini beans. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings to balance the flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the bacon and hamburger, and replace them with additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also add lentils or a meat substitute for texture and protein.
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).