Mom'S Beans
Mom's Beans is a hearty, savory dish featuring tender beans baked with crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tangy catsup. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners, offering a nostalgic taste of home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the bacon and reserve the grease.
- In a 9 x 11-inch pan, combine the beans, chopped onion, brown sugar, and catsup.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and add 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease to the mixture.
- Bake at 300°F for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh and use olive oil instead of bacon grease. You can also replace Great Northern beans with cannellini or navy beans for a different texture. Adjust the brown sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these beans as a hearty side dish at your next barbecue or potluck. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, especially ribs or burgers. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside cornbread or a fresh salad. This dish also complements the flavors found in recipes like Mini Hamburger Loaves and Country Dinner Hamburger And Beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Beans contains roughly 449 calories, with 7g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 962mg per serving (42% 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. For this recipe, about 1 ½ cups of dried Great Northern beans will suffice, which should be soaked overnight and boiled until tender before adding them to the mixture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the bean mixture before baking. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili powder for an extra kick, balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar.
What can I serve with Mom's Beans?
Mom's Beans are versatile and can be served alongside a variety of dishes. They pair well with grilled meats, such as chicken or pork, and are great with cornbread or over rice. For a complete meal, consider adding a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
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).