Fourth Of July Beans
A hearty and sweet-savory baked bean dish with bacon and hamburger, perfect for summer cookouts and Fourth of July celebrations, offering robust flavors loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger separately in a skillet.
- Fry the bacon separately until crisp.
- In a bowl, mix together chopped onion, brown sugar, catsup, mustard, vinegar, and salt.
- Add the cooked hamburger, bacon (drained and crumbled), and drained pork and beans to the mixture.
- Combine everything thoroughly.
- Bake the mixture for 1 1/2 hours at 300°F or use a crock-pot on low setting.
- Stir occasionally during baking.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute ground turkey for the hamburger and turkey bacon for the bacon. Additionally, you can use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique sweetness. Make sure to drain the pork and beans thoroughly to avoid a watery dish.
Serving Suggestions
These Fourth Of July Beans are perfect as a side dish for barbecues and picnics, pairing wonderfully with grilled meats or hot ham & cheese sandwiches. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or cornbread. They also make a great addition to a potluck spread, where they can shine among other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe dish, covering it, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fourth Of July Beans contains roughly 281 calories, with 8g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1282mg per serving (56% 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 canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned beans for convenience. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the mixture. Using canned beans will reduce the cooking time, so adjust accordingly when baking.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you want to skip bacon, you can use smoked turkey bacon or even omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. For added flavor, you might consider using a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this bean dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, and when ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).