Maple Heights Baked Beans
Maple Heights Baked Beans combine hearty ground beef, sweet baked beans, and smoky bacon for a comforting, flavorful dish. Rich with molasses, brown sugar, and mustard, it’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering a satisfying balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can baked beans in tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can Great Northern beans undrained ⓘ
- 1 medium onion finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp molasses ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain any excess fat.
- Combine the cooked beef with the baked beans, Great Northern beans, chopped onion, brown sugar, salt, dry mustard, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, ketchup, and crumbled bacon in a lightly greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 55 minutes.
- Remove from oven, top with additional bacon if desired, and stir in.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. You can substitute the Great Northern beans with cannellini beans or even pinto beans if that's what you have on hand. Adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or a splash of maple syrup if desired. If you want to spice it up, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
These baked beans are perfect as a side dish for barbecues or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with Daddy Burgers or alongside grilled sausages. Consider serving them over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad makes a great contrast to the hearty beans.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Maple Heights Baked Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maple Heights Baked Beans contains roughly 418 calories, with 5g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1507mg per serving (66% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Maple Heights Baked Beans vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and bacon. Replace the beef with additional beans or sautéed vegetables for added texture. Use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to maintain the flavors without meat.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, try incorporating chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the bean mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a personalized touch.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ingredients in the casserole dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
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).