Beans, Beans, Beans!
This hearty dish combines the richness of various beans with the smoky flavor of bacon, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. The sweet and tangy notes from brown sugar and white wine vinegar enhance the overall flavor profile, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 10 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 large garlic clove, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can butter beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz.) can pork and beans, not drained ⓘ
- 3/4 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
- 1/2 c. white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp. ground pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Brown bacon in a skillet.
- Drain, crumble, and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to bacon drippings in the pan; sauté until onion is soft.
- Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you're out of white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar works as a great substitute. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. To enhance the sweetness, try using maple syrup in place of brown sugar for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
These beans make a hearty main dish and pair wonderfully with cornbread, such as Lorene'S Cornbread Salad, or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. They are also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place in a baking dish and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beans, Beans, Beans! contains roughly 1086 calories, with 16g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to heat it up, as it will be cold from the fridge.
What types of beans can I use?
Feel free to mix and match different types of beans according to your preference. Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas can add a different flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if using fresh or dried beans.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using olive oil for sautéing the onion and garlic. Additionally, replace the pork and beans with a vegetarian version or simply add more of your favorite beans for 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).