Super Bean Bake
A hearty, savory baked bean dish with bacon, vegetables, and tangy sauces, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, offering rich flavors and comforting warmth.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bacon, cooked and chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 can 15 oz green beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can 15 oz lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can 15 oz garbanzo beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can 31 oz pork & beans ⓘ
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry bacon and reserve 3 tablespoons of drippings.
- Add diced onion to the bacon drippings and cook until limp.
- Combine all ingredients, including cooked bacon and onions, in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into a shallow, 3-quart baking pan.
- Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.
- Alternatively, place in a slow cooker and cook for 3-4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it entirely. You can also use any canned beans you have on hand; black beans or pinto beans work well in this dish. For a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños. This recipe is versatile, like many American recipes, allowing for personal touches.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Super Bean Bake hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside grilled meats or BBQ dishes. This dish also complements well with recipes like Baked Beans(For A Crowd) for a potluck or family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked bean mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Super Bean Bake contains roughly 656 calories, with 12g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 981mg per serving (43% 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, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can use smoked tempeh or omit the bacon altogether. Alternatively, turkey bacon or sausage can be used for a lighter version, maintaining a similar flavor profile.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but they will need to be soaked and cooked beforehand. This will add extra time to your preparation, so plan accordingly. Canned beans are convenient and save time, but dried beans can enhance the dish's texture.
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).