My Mom'S Baked Beans
My Mom's Baked Beans are a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender lima beans simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce with bacon, onion, mustard, and molasses. Perfect for family gatherings or comforting weeknight dinners, this recipe combines savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare dried lima beans according to package directions or by soaking in 8 cups boiling, salted water with 1 teaspoon salt for 1 hour or longer.
- Add the soaked beans to the sauce mixture and take off heat to let soak for 1 hour or longer.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of My Mom's Baked Beans, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for heat. If you don't have lima beans, navy or pinto beans work well as substitutes. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add a bit of liquid smoke to maintain depth of flavor. Soaking the beans overnight can also reduce cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
My Mom's Baked Beans are a perfect side for summer barbecues and pair beautifully with Old-Fashioned Baked Ham or Roast Pork Loin. Serve alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. They're also great as a filling main dish when served over rice or with a slice of Greasy Bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Mom'S Baked Beans contains roughly 281 calories, with 10g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 654mg per serving (28% 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?
Yes, you can substitute canned beans for dried ones. Use about 3 cups of canned lima beans, and skip the soaking and initial cooking steps. Just mix them with the sauce ingredients and heat until bubbly.
What can I do if the beans are still hard after cooking?
If the beans remain hard after cooking, they may not have soaked long enough or could be old. You can add a bit of water, cover, and simmer longer until tender. Avoid adding acidic ingredients until the beans are soft, as they can prevent softening.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add spice, you can incorporate diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce into the mixture. Additionally, a sprinkle of chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the heat level. Adjust to your heat preference!
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).