Jean Nickel'S Baked Beans
Baked beans with a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor profile, ideal for family gatherings or casual dinners, enhanced with bacon and a savory tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a slow temperature, around 300°F (150°C).
- Drain and rinse the beans. Chop the onion finely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beans, chopped onion, catsup, orange juice, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and salt.
- Slice the bacon or prepare your choice of ham, salt pork, or wieners.
- In a baking dish, layer the bean mixture with the bacon or meat on top.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the bean mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon or meat with smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. Using a mix of beans, such as kidney and pinto, can also add depth to the dish. This recipe pairs wonderfully with American recipes like Hidden Valley Hot Potato Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious baked beans as a hearty side dish at your next barbecue or family gathering. They pair well with grilled meats, particularly pork recipes, and can also complement a fresh Mixed Veg-All Salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside cornbread or coleslaw.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For best results, add a splash of water or orange juice to maintain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jean Nickel'S Baked Beans contains roughly 294 calories, with 6g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2365mg per serving (103% 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 they will need to be soaked overnight and cooked until tender before mixing them with the other ingredients. This requires additional time, so plan accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bean mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just add the bacon or meat before baking.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can use soy sauce mixed with a splash of vinegar and a bit of sugar as a substitute. This will provide a similar depth of flavor to the dish.
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).