Easy Baked Beans For A Crowd(Recipe Can Be Halved Easily!)
A hearty, crowd-pleasing baked bean dish featuring smoky bacon, sweet ketchup, and a flavorful mustard and onion blend. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual cookouts, it combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar and dry mustard in a small bowl.
- In a large enamel roaster, place half of the pork and beans.
- Sprinkle half of the sugar-mustard mixture and 1 tablespoon of minced onion over the beans.
- Repeat with the remaining beans, sugar-mustard mixture, and onion.
- Place bacon pieces over the second layer of beans.
- Pour ketchup evenly over all the ingredients.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Stir gently before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or liquid smoke. Adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar or adding a dash of maple syrup. If you prefer a spicier kick, incorporate some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Baked Beans are perfect for potlucks or family gatherings and pair beautifully with Betty'S Glazed Ham or grilled meats. Serve alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. For a complete meal, complement with sides like Tater Tots Hot Dish or coleslaw for a satisfying spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply transfer them to a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave them in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Baked Beans For A Crowd(Recipe Can Be Halved Easily!) contains roughly 136 calories, with 3g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 564mg per serving (25% 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 homemade beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use homemade beans, cook them until tender and then follow the recipe as directed. Just ensure that they are well-seasoned before layering them in the roaster, as canned beans are already flavored.
How can I make these beans spicier?
To add heat, mix in diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture before baking. You can also use spicy bacon or sausage for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beans a day ahead. Assemble the layers in the roaster, cover, and refrigerate. Bake them when you're ready to serve, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if they are cold from the fridge.
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).