Mission Baked Beans
A hearty baked beans casserole with smoky bacon, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and a flavorful chili-sugar blend, perfect for casual gatherings or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can chili beans (undrained) ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 jar salsa ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except cheese in a bowl and mix gently.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered at 475°F for 15 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top and bake for 15 minutes longer until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding a diced bell pepper or jalapeño for extra heat. If you're short on time, you can substitute the bacon with a smoked sausage for a quicker prep. Make sure to mix the ingredients well to ensure even distribution of flavors. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use meatless bacon or omit the bacon entirely and enhance the spice with additional chili powder.
Serving Suggestions
These baked beans make a hearty side dish for summer barbecues and pair beautifully with grilled meats like ribs or burgers. For a complete meal, serve alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad. You can also enjoy them as a main dish by topping with additional cheese and serving with crusty bread. They are a great addition to potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, place the beans in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. You can also reheat them in the microwave, covering the dish with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Add a splash of water if they seem dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mission Baked Beans contains roughly 957 calories, with 36g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (103% of the Daily Value), and protein (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1187mg per serving (52% 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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix and match various beans like black beans or kidney beans. Just ensure they are either canned or pre-cooked, as this recipe relies on quick baking. This flexibility allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking while still enjoying the classic taste of baked beans.
How can I make these baked beans spicier?
To add some heat, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños to the mix. You could also incorporate some hot sauce to taste before baking. Remember to adjust the seasoning gradually, so it doesn't overpower the other flavors in the dish.
Is it possible to make these baked beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the baked beans a day in advance. Simply combine all ingredients except the cheese and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, transfer to a casserole dish, add cheese, and follow the baking instructions. This makes it perfect for gatherings, as you can save time on the day of the event.
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).