Old Settler'S Baked Beans
Old Settler's Baked Beans is a hearty, smoky dish combining baked beans with ground beef, bacon, and a rich, sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or outdoor cookouts, this comforting recipe offers bold flavors with a balance of sweetness and spice, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup white sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 can giant lima beans ⓘ
- 2 cans pork and beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, bacon, and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Mix together brown sugar, white sugar, ketchup, barbecue sauce, salt, black pepper, prepared mustard, and chili powder in a bowl.
- Stir the sauce mixture into the cooked beef, bacon, and onion.
- Add the beans (red kidney beans, lima beans, and pork and beans) to the mixture and combine well.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef and bacon with diced mushrooms and additional beans. Adjust the sugars to your taste; if you like it less sweet, reduce the brown and white sugar. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to include other beans like pinto or black beans.
Serving Suggestions
These Old Settler's Baked Beans pair beautifully with grilled meats or a hearty salad for a complete meal. Serve alongside cornbread or coleslaw for a classic barbecue experience. They also make a great side dish for potlucks or family gatherings. For a twist, try serving them with the delicious El Rancho Casserole for a satisfying combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked beans 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, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Settler'S Baked Beans contains roughly 396 calories, with 16g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1751mg per serving (76% 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 other types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute or add other beans like black beans or pinto beans based on your preference. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time if using dried beans, as they will require soaking and longer cooking.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make the baked beans healthier, use lean ground turkey or omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. You can also reduce the sugar content or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to cut down on added sugars.
Can I freeze the baked beans?
Absolutely! Baked beans freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
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).