Las Vegas Hot Beans
Las Vegas Hot Beans is a spicy, hearty dish featuring beans simmered with bacon, salsa, and flavorful sauces, perfect for gatherings or comfort food lovers. Rich and smoky with a kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak beans overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans.
- Cover beans with about 2 inches of water in a pot.
- Add salt to the water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add onion flakes and chopped bacon to the boiling beans.
- Cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Bring the mixture back to a boil.
- Add hot salsa, picante sauce, taco sauce, and parsley if desired.
- Stir the mixture well.
- Add Tabasco sauce to taste.
- Optional: add 1/2 cup catsup for color.
- Cook over low heat for 4 to 5 hours until the beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or cumin to the bean mixture. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika and add mushrooms for umami. You can also use canned beans for convenience; just reduce cooking time. Be sure to adjust the spice level according to your taste preference, especially if using hot salsa.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Las Vegas Hot Beans as a hearty side dish at barbecues or potlucks, pairing them with cornbread or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. They also make a great topping for baked potatoes or serve alongside dishes like Sausi Cheese Bites or Bacon-Cheese Sizzlers for a flavorful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Las Vegas Hot Beans contains roughly 104 calories, with 4g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 924mg per serving (40% 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 different types of beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of beans you prefer, such as pinto, kidney, or black beans. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different beans may require varying amounts of time to become tender. Soaking is still recommended for best results.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To adjust the spiciness, you can reduce the amount of hot salsa and Tabasco sauce. Alternatively, add more if you prefer it spicier. For a milder flavor, consider using a mild salsa and omitting the Tabasco entirely.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beans a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheating the beans the next day allows the flavors to meld even more, making them taste even better. Just remember to adjust the seasoning if needed.
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).