Mixed Baked Beans
A hearty, smoky baked beans dish featuring bacon, onions, and a sweet-savory sauce, perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or comfort food lovers seeking rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the bacon, crumble, and set aside.
- In bacon drippings, sauté diced onions until translucent. Drain off excess fat.
- Add dry mustard, salt, garlic powder, vinegar, brown sugar, and molasses to the onions. Stir well.
- Simmer the mixture, covered, for 20 minutes.
- Add all the drained beans to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2 hours until thick, or cook in a crock-pot for 4 to 5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, use smoked bacon or add a few dashes of liquid smoke. If you want to make it vegetarian, substitute bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto or black beans, for added variety. Consider adding some chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
These mixed baked beans are a hearty side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially ribs or chicken. Serve alongside cornbread or a fresh salad, like Broccoli Fruit Salad, for a complete meal. They also make a great filling for wraps or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the beans seem dry, add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mixed Baked Beans contains roughly 702 calories, with 17g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1610mg per serving (70% 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 canned beans instead of dried beans for this recipe?
Yes, using canned beans is a great time-saver! Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the mixture. This will help reduce sodium content and improve the overall flavor of your dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven, or bake it straight from the fridge, adjusting the cooking time as 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).