Ole Settler Beans
Hearty and savory baked beans with ground beef, bacon, and a rich blend of barbecue flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 16 oz. can pinto beans, drained
- 16 oz. can butter beans, drained ⓘ
- 16 oz. can red beans, drained ⓘ
- 16 oz. can pork and beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Karo syrup ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry hamburger, onion, and bacon together, leaving the grease in the pan.
- Mix all the drained beans together in a large bowl.
- Add the cooked meat and onion mixture to the beans and stir well.
- Combine ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Karo syrup, and Worcestershire sauce; mix thoroughly.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the bean and meat mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or cook in a crock-pot as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of different beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, to suit your taste. If you prefer a smokier flavor, try adding some smoked paprika or using smoked bacon. You can also reduce the sugar by using less Karo syrup. This dish is versatile and can be adjusted according to your preferences, similar to the Crock-Pot Bean Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ole Settler Beans hot, garnished with chopped green onions or shredded cheese for an extra touch. This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a complete spread, consider serving it alongside Harry's Barbecue Pork Steak or Sloppy Joe Hamburgers for a hearty gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months; just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ole Settler Beans contains roughly 1835 calories, with 16g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 127g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1166mg per serving (51% 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 Ole Settler Beans vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the hamburger and bacon with plant-based alternatives like lentils or tempeh, and use vegetable broth for added flavor. This makes the dish suitable for vegetarians while still maintaining a hearty texture.
How do I know when the beans are done cooking?
The beans should be heated through and the flavors well combined. If baking, look for bubbling around the edges and a slightly thickened sauce. If using a crock-pot, cook on low for about 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until everything is hot and flavors meld.
Can I add more spices to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add spices like chili powder, cumin, or even a dash of hot sauce for some heat. Adjust the quantities to your taste. This flexibility allows you to personalize the dish to your liking, enhancing your experience with this flavorful recipe.
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).