Mike'S Great Baked Beans
A hearty baked beans dish with smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, and savory spices, perfect for family gatherings or casual cookouts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain all beans and place them in an ovenproof dish.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and use 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings to mix with the beans.
- Add the remaining ingredients: barbecue sauce, diced onion, green pepper, mustard, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Garnish with sliced green pepper before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of drippings. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste. Enhance the flavor profile with a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
These baked beans are a perfect side dish for summer barbecues, pairing beautifully with grilled meats and salads. Serve them alongside Mother'S Chicken Dressing for a delightful meal. For a hearty twist, add them to a baked potato or serve them over rice for a filling vegetarian option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the beans in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mike'S Great Baked Beans contains roughly 942 calories, with 41g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (147% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1171mg per serving (51% 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?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Typically, 1 cup of dried beans will yield about 2.5 cups of cooked beans. Make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mix. You can also increase the chili powder amount or add cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just bake it as instructed, allowing a few extra minutes to heat 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).