Irene'S Beans
Irene's Beans is a hearty, sweet and savory baked bean dish featuring bacon, onions, and a blend of beans in a tangy ketchup and brown sugar sauce. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers comforting flavors with a smoky, slightly sweet profile that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crisp, then drain and crumble.
- Saute the chopped onion in the bacon grease until translucent.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained lima beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans.
- Add the crumbled bacon, sautéed onion, catsup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to the beans.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly in the casserole dish.
- Cover the dish with a lid or foil.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 35 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon or adding a pinch of smoked paprika. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can work as a substitute. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of bacon grease.
Serving Suggestions
Irene's Beans make a hearty main dish or a rich side for barbecues and family gatherings. Serve with cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Baked Beans On Stove for a comforting, bean-filled feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Irene's Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irene'S Beans contains roughly 676 calories, with 10g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 864mg per serving (38% 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 dried beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. About 2 cups of cooked beans will replace the canned beans. Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is heated through and flavors meld properly.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking for an extra kick. For a milder heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced bell peppers for flavor without overwhelming spice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the bean mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly. When you're ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.
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).