Cousin Sue'S Great Beans
Cousin Sue's Great Beans is a hearty, flavorful casserole combining sweet caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and a medley of beans in a tangy vinegar sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or comfort food lovers, this dish offers a rich blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, tightly packed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can favorite baked beans
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 8 bacon slices, cooked, drained and crumbled
- 2 (15 oz.) cans butter beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can green lima beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can dark red kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Place sliced onions, cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, dry mustard, garlic powder, and salt in a skillet.
- Cover and cook over low/medium heat for 20 minutes until onions become transparent.
- Combine all beans (including the baked beans, do not drain).
- Mix the onion mixture with the beans in a casserole dish.
- Bake in a 350°F oven, covered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. You can substitute honey for dark brown sugar if preferred, adjusting the sweetness to taste. This dish can also be adapted with different bean varieties like navy or pinto beans.
Serving Suggestions
These great beans make a perfect side dish for barbecues or potlucks and pair beautifully with Pork Chops And Apples. Serve them alongside grilled meats or as a hearty accompaniment to a salad like Pearl Huffman'S Wilted Lettuce Salad. For a complete meal, consider adding cornbread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. For longer storage, consider freezing the beans for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cousin Sue'S Great Beans contains roughly 110 calories, with 6g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1170mg per serving (51% 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 bean dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bean mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving to ensure the flavors meld beautifully. This also allows the dish to develop more depth in flavor, making it even more enjoyable.
What type of beans work best for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for specific beans, feel free to mix and match according to your preference. Any canned beans work well, including navy or pinto beans. Just ensure they're all well-drained and rinsed, if needed, to avoid excess sodium.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of any meat-based products. The sweetness from the dark brown sugar and the tanginess of the vinegar will still create a flavorful dish without the meat.
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).