Rea Beans
Rea Beans is a hearty, sweet and savory baked bean dish with bacon, onions, and a rich ketchup and sugar glaze, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the bacon until crispy; drain all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease.
- In the bacon grease, fry the chopped onion until clear.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the catsup, brown sugar, white sugar, salt, dry mustard, and vinegar.
- Drain the butter beans, lima beans, pork and beans, and kidney beans.
- Combine the cooked bacon and onion, drained beans, and the ketchup mixture in a baking dish.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture. If you're short on time, canned beans can be replaced with frozen beans, just ensure they are thawed and drained. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar or using a sugar substitute to cater to dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Rea Beans as a hearty side dish at your next barbecue or potluck. They pair beautifully with grilled meats and cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or browsing more American recipes that complement these flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Rea Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or reheat in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rea Beans contains roughly 1217 calories, with 40g protein, 238g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (129% of the Daily Value), protein (80% of the Daily Value), and iron (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2368mg per serving (103% 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?
Absolutely! You can substitute any canned beans you have on hand, such as black beans or pinto beans, to suit your taste. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding them to the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Rea Beans, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions. Additionally, you can add smoked paprika to give a similar smoky flavor without the meat.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Rea Beans a day in advance. Assemble all ingredients in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).