Freda Mcclure'S Deluxe Baked Beans
A hearty, savory baked beans dish featuring ground beef, bacon, and a flavorful mix of beans and barbecue flavors, perfect for family gatherings or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. bacon, cut in small pieces ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pinto beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can lima beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup Lea & Perrins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Fry bacon pieces until crispy and drain.
- Cook chopped onion and bell pepper in the bacon and ground beef until tender.
- Drain all canned beans and save the juice for later use.
- Mix chili powder, barbecue sauce, catsup, Lea & Perrins, sugars, salt, and pepper with half the vegetable juice to create the sauce.
- Combine the meat mixture with the bean mixture and the sauce.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add more vegetable juice to reach desired consistency.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, and leftovers can be frozen for later.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef and bacon with plant-based meat alternatives. You can also use different bean varieties based on your preference. Make sure to drain the canned beans thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
These deluxe baked beans are perfect as a hearty side dish for barbecues or potlucks. Serve them alongside grilled meats or with cornbread for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with Barbecue Beef Sandwiches (Sloppy Joes) for a comforting dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place in freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable juice to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Freda Mcclure'S Deluxe Baked Beans contains roughly 1658 calories, with 47g protein, 251g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (160% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (155% of the Daily Value), and protein (94% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1979mg per serving (86% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble everything and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I serve with baked beans?
Baked beans are versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. They work well with grilled meats, especially ribs or burgers, and also complement picnic favorites like coleslaw and potato salad. For a cozy dinner, pair them with cornbread.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?
Absolutely! If you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before adding them to the recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as dried beans may take longer to cook than canned.
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).