Linda Smith'S Ranch Beans
Hearty baked beans with bacon, ground beef, and vegetables, flavored with tomato soup and brown sugar, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions and green peppers until tender.
- Fry bacon until crispy and cook ground beef until browned.
- Drain the butter beans and kidney beans.
- Combine all ingredients in a buttered 13 x 9-inch dish or pan.
- Stir in tomato soup and sprinkle with brown sugar on top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a healthier twist. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tempeh. Adjust the brown sugar to taste based on your preference for sweetness or swap in maple syrup for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Linda Smith's Ranch Beans as a hearty main dish alongside cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. They also pair well with grilled meats, making them an excellent side for summer barbecues. For an added kick, consider garnishing with sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a covered dish until heated through, or warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linda Smith'S Ranch Beans contains roughly 965 calories, with 30g protein, 185g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), protein (61% of the Daily Value), and iron (58% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 27g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, you can use dried beans! Soak and cook them until tender before adding to the recipe. Keep in mind that this may increase your prep time significantly, as you’ll need to account for soaking and cooking the beans beforehand.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish is not inherently spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit any additional spicy ingredients and enjoy the sweetness from the brown sugar.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to serve, bake it from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's 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).