Swedish Baked Beans
Swedish Baked Beans are a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of pinto beans with savory elements like hamburger and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and molasses. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pinto beans for 2 1/2 hours, then drain.
- Add cooking oil, catsup, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch.
- Mix together.
- Pour into a baking dish.
- Stir in cooked hamburger.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using bacon drippings instead of cooking oil, or add some diced bacon to the mix. If pinto beans are unavailable, navy beans can be a suitable substitute. Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar or molasses according to your taste. For a vegetarian version, omit the hamburger or use a plant-based meat substitute. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Twice Baked Potato Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Swedish Baked Beans as a hearty main dish or a side at your next gathering. They pair wonderfully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a twist, serve alongside BLT Bites for an appetizer or as part of a potluck spread. These beans complement grilled meats beautifully, making them a great addition to BBQs.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Swedish Baked Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, and stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, stirring every minute until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Baked Beans contains roughly 546 calories, with 1g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value), calcium (11% of the Daily Value), and potassium (10% 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 canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned pinto beans to save time. For this recipe, use about 4 cans (15 oz each) of drained and rinsed beans. Reduce the cooking time as you'll only need to heat the mixture until everything is combined and warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce on hand, a mixture of soy sauce and apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute. Use 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of vinegar for each tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce needed in the recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Swedish Baked Beans, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mix. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra kick. Adjust to your spice preference to enhance the flavor.
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).