Settler Beans
Settler Beans is a hearty, smoky casserole blending beans, bacon, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat and drain excess fat.
- Crumble the fried bacon and add it along with the diced onion to the cooked meat.
- Place the mixture in a casserole dish.
- Add the remaining ingredients: brown sugar, white sugar, catsup, barbecue sauce, salt, pepper, chili powder, mustard, molasses, and the canned beans.
- Mix everything well.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using chipotle chili powder instead of regular chili powder. You can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger meat for a lighter version. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the meats for diced mushrooms and add more beans. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste by varying the amounts of brown and white sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Settler Beans warm, garnished with chopped green onions or shredded cheese for an extra touch. It pairs beautifully with Teresa'S Broccoli Salad for a balanced meal. For a hearty dinner, consider serving it alongside cornbread or a simple green salad to complement the richness of the beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, or reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until hot. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Settler Beans contains roughly 629 calories, with 17g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1899mg per serving (83% 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?
Absolutely! You can mix and match your favorite beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, in place of kidney or lima beans. Just ensure you drain and rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium content.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the bean mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Is there a way to make it spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mix. You could also increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
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).