Mom Mertens' Baked Beans
Mom Mertens' Baked Beans offers a hearty, smoky flavor with a blend of beans, bacon, and sweet-savory seasonings, perfect for family gatherings or comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute bacon in a skillet until crisp, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, saute hamburger and finely chopped onion until browned.
- Carefully stir in drained kidney beans, butter beans, lima beans, and pork and beans.
- Add brown sugar, white sugar, catsup, molasses, and dry mustard; mix until well blended.
- Transfer mixture to a casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or cook in a crock-pot on medium heat for several hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. You can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger for a leaner option, or use any combination of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, based on your preference. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, increase the brown sugar slightly, but be cautious not to overpower the savory elements.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked beans as a hearty side dish at your next barbecue or picnic, where they pair beautifully with grilled meats and cornbread. They also complement a variety of dishes like Baked Ribs And Dressing or Sweet 'N Sour Potato Medley. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple green salad or coleslaw on the side to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, ensuring to cover the dish to retain moisture. For longer storage, consider freezing them for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom Mertens' Baked Beans contains roughly 759 calories, with 11g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value), potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1032mg per serving (45% 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 this recipe vegetarian by omitting the hamburger and bacon. Replace them with sautéed mushrooms or tempeh for added texture and flavor. Be sure to check the beans used, as some canned beans may contain meat products.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the beans?
To adjust the sweetness, you can modify the amounts of brown and white sugar according to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet dish, start with half the amount of sugar and gradually add more until you reach your desired flavor. Alternatively, adding more beans can help balance the sweetness.
Can I prepare these beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bean mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it on the day you plan to serve it, ensuring that it’s heated through. This makes it a convenient option for meal planning or entertaining guests.
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).