German Skillet Beans
German Skillet Beans combines smoky bacon, tender onions, and hearty pork and beans in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp; reserve 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan. Crumble bacon and set aside.
- Saute onion in the bacon drippings until tender.
- Add crumbled bacon, pork and beans, catsup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard to the pan.
- Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes or until thickened and heated through, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you're out of catsup, barbecue sauce can provide a similar sweetness and tang. For a vegetarian option, replace bacon with smoked tempeh and use a plant-based bean variety. Adjust the sweetness by reducing the brown sugar if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve German Skillet Beans as a hearty main dish alongside crusty bread or cornbread. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a complete spread, consider adding a side of 'Frikadeller' (Danish Meatballs)(Catherine Hamilton'S Kitchen) to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Skillet Beans contains roughly 1069 calories, with 6g protein, 231g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% 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 other types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the pork and beans with other varieties like navy beans or kidney beans. Just adjust the cooking time if using dried beans; they should be cooked until tender before adding to the skillet.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a kick of heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions. You can also stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce along with the other ingredients for an extra layer of flavor.
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).