Old Settlers Beans
Old Settlers Beans is a hearty, flavorful baked bean dish featuring a rich combination of meats, sweet and tangy sauces, and aromatic spices. Perfect for family gatherings or outdoor barbecues, its savory-sweet profile appeals to comfort food lovers and those seeking a nostalgic, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. hamburger, browned ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and chopped ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 2 tbsp. mustard ⓘ
- 2 tbsp. molasses ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. kidney beans ⓘ
- 16 oz. butter-lima beans ⓘ
- 16 oz. pork and beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except hamburger, bacon, and onion into a large baking pan.
- Pour in all the beans (kidney beans, butter-lima beans, and pork and beans).
- Add the browned hamburger, cooked and chopped bacon, and chopped onion to the mixture.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the mix. If you're looking for healthier options, you can substitute ground turkey for hamburger and turkey bacon for a lighter version. Using canned beans saves time, but if you prefer dried beans, make sure to soak them overnight. Adjust the sweetness by modifying the brown sugar and regular sugar according to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Serve it alongside crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing Cauliflower And Lettuce Salad to balance the richness. You can also top it with shredded cheese or chopped green onions for added flavor and garnish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Old Settlers Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, use the stovetop over low heat to ensure even warming, adding a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Settlers Beans contains roughly 905 calories, with 18g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1456mg per serving (63% 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 different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite beans. Great alternatives include black beans or pinto beans. Just keep the total bean volume the same to maintain the recipe's consistency and flavor balance.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Old Settlers Beans vegetarian, simply omit the hamburger and bacon. You can replace them with sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture or add extra veggies like bell peppers and carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just combine all the ingredients except for the beans, then add the beans right before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and can save time on busy days!
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).