Betty'S Baked Beans
Betty's Baked Beans feature smoky bacon, tender onions, and sweet-savory flavors, perfect as a hearty side dish for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of drippings in skillet.
- Crumble the cooked bacon.
- Cook onion in the reserved drippings until tender.
- Add the crumbled bacon, beans, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and prepared mustard to a casserole dish.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Top with additional bacon if desired.
- Bake uncovered in a 1 1/2-quart casserole at 325°F for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours.
- Stir often during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a dash of hot sauce to the bean mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika and use a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar based on your taste preferences. This recipe is versatile enough to adapt for different family gatherings or potlucks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked beans warm as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, especially BBQ ribs or burgers. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside cornbread or a fresh coleslaw. You can also enjoy them as a hearty topping for baked potatoes or with tortilla chips for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, stirring halfway through, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot. If the beans seem dry, add a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Betty'S Baked Beans contains roughly 591 calories, with 9g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 726mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with other canned beans like navy beans or kidney beans if you prefer. Just ensure they're drained and rinsed before adding to maintain the right consistency and flavor. Each type of bean will bring a slightly different taste and texture, so feel free to experiment!
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can also try adding a bit of chipotle sauce for a smoky flavor.
Is it possible to make these baked beans in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and then bake it the next day. This allows the flavors to develop even further. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly, as it may need a bit longer when starting from cold.
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).