Molasses Baked Beans
Molasses baked beans combine sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender pork and beans, caramelized brown sugar, and smoky bacon. This hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings or barbecues, offering a comforting, rich taste with a hint of tang from mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup molasses ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning ⓘ
- 4 to 5 slices bacon ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef until browned.
- Drain well.
- Combine all ingredients, except bacon, and mix well.
- Pour mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Top with bacon slices.
- Bake for two hours at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onion and green pepper in the beef drippings before mixing with other ingredients. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative and use veggie bacon or omit the bacon altogether. You can also experiment with different types of beans, such as navy or cannellini, to personalize the dish.
Serving Suggestions
These molasses baked beans make a hearty side dish for barbecues or family gatherings. Serve them alongside grilled meats, such as chicken or ribs, for a delicious summer feast. For a complete meal, pair with cornbread or a fresh green salad, and consider adding a scoop of coleslaw for a classic touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the beans to prevent them from drying out. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molasses Baked Beans contains roughly 229 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1299mg per serving (56% 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 pork and beans?
Absolutely! You can substitute any type of canned beans you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, so adjust the seasonings to taste. For a more traditional baked bean flavor, stick with navy or kidney beans.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat to your molasses baked beans, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mixture. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like it extra spicy.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bean mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the bacon on top right before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for an even tastier dish when baked.
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).