Ole Settlers Baked Beans
Ole Settlers Baked Beans is a hearty, savory dish packed with smoky bacon, ground beef, and a rich blend of sugars, sauces, and spices. Baked to perfection, this dish offers bold flavors perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or comfort food moments, delivering a nostalgic taste of traditional American flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup white sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. mustard
- 2 Tbsp. molasses ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can lima butter beans ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can pork and beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped bacon, and chopped onion in a skillet until fully cooked.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a large baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you don't have kidney beans, any canned beans can work as a substitute. Adjust the sweetness by using less sugar or opting for a sugar alternative like honey or agave. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper, which also complements well with recipes like Electric 4-Alarm Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ole Settlers Baked Beans hot as a hearty side dish at barbecues or potlucks. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, such as ribs or burgers, and complement cornbread or coleslaw. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Hamburger With Baked Beans to create a comforting plate that guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the beans in a microwave-safe dish and cover it to prevent drying out, heating in short intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ole Settlers Baked Beans contains roughly 416 calories, with 22g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1455mg 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be prepared a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it heats through evenly.
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for kidney beans, lima butter beans, and pork and beans, feel free to mix and match with other canned beans like black beans or pinto beans for varied flavors and textures. Just ensure they're drained and rinsed before adding.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and bacon. Substitute with plant-based ground meat or textured vegetable protein for added texture. You can also enhance the flavor with smoked paprika to replicate the smoky taste of bacon.
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).