Connie'S Red Beans
Connie's Red Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring smoky bacon, tender kidney beans, and a savory tomato-based sauce. Perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings, it combines rich flavors with a touch of sweetness and tang, making it a satisfying and versatile meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut up bacon and fry with chopped onions in a large skillet or pot.
- Drain off excess grease. Cut up celery stalks and green pepper.
- Drain the kidney beans from the cans.
- Combine the cooked bacon and onions, celery, green pepper, tomato soup, vinegar, dry mustard, sugar, and kidney beans in a baking dish or casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of hot sauce for a kick. If you're out of green pepper, a small amount of diced jalapeño can work well. You can also substitute the tomato soup with crushed tomatoes and add some Italian seasoning for a different twist. This dish can also be made vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Connie's Red Beans hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing Easy Broccoli Salad for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for about 2-3 minutes or until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Connie'S Red Beans contains roughly 283 calories, with 15g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 13g 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?
Yes, you can prepare Connie's Red Beans a day in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients in your baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When you're ready to cook, just pop it in the oven for the recommended time. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for kidney beans?
If kidney beans are unavailable, you can use black beans or pinto beans as substitutes. Both provide a similar texture and flavor, making them great alternatives. Just ensure they're drained and rinsed before adding to the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To spice things up, you can add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mixture. Another option is to serve it with hot sauce on the side, allowing everyone to adjust the heat to their preference.
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).