Old Settler Beans
Old Settler Beans offer a hearty, smoky flavor with sweet and tangy notes, perfect for family dinners or gatherings that crave comfort food with a Southern twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Mix the cooked hamburger, chopped onion, brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, barbecue sauce, chili powder, and prepared mustard in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake uncovered at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Fry the bacon until crispy and crumble it into small pieces.
- Top the baked beans with the crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or garlic to the hamburger mixture. If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can increase the brown sugar or molasses slightly. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger for a leaner version. If you're short on time, using canned beans is convenient, but make sure to rinse them well to reduce sodium.
Serving Suggestions
These Old Settler Beans make a hearty main dish, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. They pair wonderfully with cornbread or a fresh salad like Red, White And Bleu Slaw Salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled meats or alongside dishes like Hankie-Pankies for a delicious spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Old Settler Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the beans appear dry, add a splash of water or additional barbecue sauce to restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Settler Beans contains roughly 1264 calories, with 33g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), protein (67% of the Daily Value), and iron (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1624mg per serving (71% 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 Old Settler Beans in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're heated through.
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can omit the bacon entirely or use a plant-based bacon substitute. Alternatively, turkey bacon can also provide a similar flavor with less fat. Just ensure any substitute is cooked until crispy for the best texture.
Can I freeze Old Settler Beans?
Yes, you can freeze Old Settler Beans. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if they seem dry.
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).