Baked beans are a timeless dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This recipe combines a variety of beans with rich flavors and spices, creating a hearty dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Let’s dive into this delicious baked beans recipe that will surely become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
– 1 can (15 oz) navy beans, drained
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
– 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, while cooking time is around 1 hour.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 210 calories, 8g protein, 2g fat, 40g carbohydrates, 10g fiber, and 8g sugar. This nutritional breakdown is based on one person’s serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained beans.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and chopped onion to the beans.
4. In a separate small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and stir well to combine.
6. Transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until bubbly.
10. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute canned beans with dried beans; however, they will need to be soaked and cooked beforehand. For a smoky flavor, consider adding bacon or smoked paprika. For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and add extra spices.
Serving and Pairings
Baked beans pair well with cornbread, grilled meats, or as a side dish for barbecues. They can also be served over rice or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove. Baked beans can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure they are in a freezer-safe container.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using undercooked beans can lead to a tough texture.
- Not seasoning enough will result in bland beans.
- Overcooking can cause the beans to become mushy.
- Skipping the soaking step for dried beans can affect cooking time.
- Not covering the dish can lead to dryness.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different types of beans for varied flavors.
- Add hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Let the beans sit after baking to enhance the flavors.
- Use leftover beans from other recipes to save time.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans. Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe.
How can I make baked beans vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat ingredients and consider adding extra spices or vegetables for flavor enhancement.
What can I serve with baked beans?
Baked beans are great with cornbread, grilled meats, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
How long can I store baked beans?
Baked beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I make baked beans in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Conclusion
This baked beans recipe is not only easy to prepare but also delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a barbeque, enjoying a family dinner, or simply craving comfort food, baked beans are the perfect addition to your table. Enjoy the rich flavors and versatility of this classic dish!
Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz navy beans, drained
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained
- 1 can 15 oz pinto beans, drained
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained beans.
- Add the diced tomatoes and chopped onion to the beans.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and stir well to combine.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
