"Bill Cosby" Beans
A hearty baked bean dish with smoky, cheesy flavors, perfect for gatherings or casual family dinners, combining savory beans, bacon, peppers, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 3 (16 oz.) cans B & M baked beans ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans red kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz.) cans kernel corn ⓘ
- 10 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped sweet red and green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. smoke-flavored barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, combine baked beans, red kidney beans, corn, cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped onion, chopped red and green peppers, barbecue sauce, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Cover and cook over medium heat for 35 minutes, stirring often.
- Just before serving, top with shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and pepper rings.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using maple-flavored or applewood-smoked bacon. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it altogether. To adjust the spice level, add more chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your taste, similar to how you might customize the flavors in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these hearty baked beans as a side dish at barbecues or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with cornbread or alongside grilled meats, making them a great complement to Pork recipes. Consider a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast on your plate, or enjoy them as a main dish with some crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the beans.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Bill Cosby" Beans contains roughly 749 calories, with 32g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1983mg per serving (86% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the entire dish a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat on the stovetop before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making it taste even better when you serve it.
What can I substitute for the kidney beans?
If you don’t have red kidney beans, you can easily swap them for black beans or pinto beans. Each variety will give a slightly different flavor and texture, but they all work well in this dish.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that rich, smoky flavor. You can even add some sautéed mushrooms for added depth and texture.
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).