Family Favorite Baked Beans
A hearty, flavorful baked beans dish with savory bacon, tender ground beef, and a sweet-savory sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 10 slices bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. can kidney beans, butter beans, pork and beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and chopped bacon in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until tender.
- Stir in brown sugar, sugar, ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, molasses, salt, chili powder, and pepper; mix well.
- Add drained beans to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or transfer to a crock-pot and cook on high for 1 hour, then on low for 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon or even adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger and bacon with mushrooms and tempeh. Experiment with different beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, to customize the dish. This recipe is versatile and can also be adapted to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
These baked beans are perfect as a hearty side dish for barbecues or potlucks. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats like ribs or burgers and complement salads or coleslaw. For a complete meal, serve alongside cornbread or over baked potatoes. They also make a great base for a delicious Baked Sandwich(Great For Brunch) or can be enjoyed on their own.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, adding a splash of water if they seem dry. For longer storage, consider freezing the beans for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Family Favorite Baked Beans contains roughly 325 calories, with 14g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1651mg per serving (72% 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 prepare the entire dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it well and bake it on the day you plan to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you want to save time, you can also just cook the beans and sauces ahead and mix them before baking.
What kind of beans can I use?
This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to use a combination of beans such as kidney beans, butter beans, and pork and beans. If you prefer a healthier twist, you can substitute with black beans or chickpeas. Each type will bring a unique flavor and texture to the final dish, so feel free to experiment!
How can I make this dish spicier?
For those who enjoy a kick, you can add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Increasing the amount of chili powder or adding cayenne pepper will also amp up the heat. Just be cautious and adjust according to your taste preference to keep the balance of flavors intact.
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).