Beans With An Attitude
A hearty and flavorful bean dish with spicy sausage, cheese, and tangy pickles, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers seeking bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 can Big John style baked beans ⓘ
- 1 small Bermuda red onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 3 Polski Wyrob dill pickles ⓘ
- 8 pitted olives ⓘ
- 4 slices sharp or extra sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 hamburger buns ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. ketchup ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. hot sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper ⓘ
- 1 small container hot chili powder or curry ⓘ
Instructions
- Dice the small onion, mince the garlic, and chop the green pepper.
- In a large frying pan, cook the hot sausage and hamburger until browned; drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the onion, garlic, and green pepper to the pan; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in hot chili powder or curry sparingly, and cook briefly to release flavors.
- Open the can of baked beans and add to the pan; stir well to combine.
- Add ketchup and mustard; mix thoroughly and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- While the mixture simmers, slice the dill pickles and olives.
- Place the hamburger buns in a toaster or oven to warm.
- Once heated, spoon the bean mixture onto the buns.
- Top each with slices of Cheddar cheese, pickles, and olives before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian twist, swap the hot sausage and hamburger with plant-based alternatives. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot chili powder or curry. Consider adding some canned tomatoes or jalapeños for extra depth. To enhance the cheese, try using a smoky cheddar or pepper jack. For a crunchy texture, add some crushed tortilla chips before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these beans on toasted hamburger buns for a hearty meal. Pair with a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. They also complement well with Cheddar Mashed Potatoes or can be enjoyed as a side to grilled meats. For a fun twist, serve them in a bowl with chips for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bean mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. The flavors may deepen after a day in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beans With An Attitude contains roughly 1285 calories, with 65g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), protein (129% of the Daily Value), and iron (99% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2516mg per serving (109% 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 dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but they require soaking and cooking beforehand. This will add time to your preparation. Use about 1.5 cups of cooked beans to replace one can of baked beans for this recipe.
What can I substitute for Bermuda red onion?
If you can't find Bermuda red onion, sweet onions or even yellow onions can work well. These alternatives will provide a mild flavor, but you might want to use less as they can be more potent.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bean mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall 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).