Nancy'S Beans
Nancy's Beans is a hearty, flavorful baked bean dish combining multiple beans, bacon, and a sweet-sour glaze, ideal for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the lima beans, butter beans, and kidney beans.
- Cut up the bacon and fry it until crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Save about 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan.
- In a large casserole, mix the drained beans and cooked bacon.
- In the same pan, brown the chopped onion in the bacon drippings.
- Add the brown sugar and vinegar to the onions and cook until slightly thickened.
- Pour the onion mixture over the beans and bacon in the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Serve hot. This dish freezes well and can be prepared ahead.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of hot sauce to the bean mixture. If you don't have all the beans listed, feel free to substitute with other canned beans like pinto or navy beans. You can also adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Nancy's Beans are delicious served alongside cornbread or as a hearty side with grilled meats. They pair beautifully with Glazed Pork Roast or can complement a simple salad for a balanced meal. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in a baking dish and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nancy'S Beans contains roughly 508 calories, with 7g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 beans?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Use approximately 1.5 to 2 cups of cooked beans to replace the canned ones, and adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Nancy's Beans vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace the bacon drippings with olive oil. You can add smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor, and consider adding veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Nancy's Beans can be prepared a day ahead. Just follow the instructions up to the baking step, cover the casserole, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).