Dive into the ultimate comfort food with Anastasia’s Best Ever Baked Beans recipe. These hearty baked beans are a delightful blend of pork and beans, caramelized onions, savory bacon, and a sweet molasses-ketchup sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or cozy family dinners, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 5 cans pork and beans (15 ounce cans) VanCamps’s Pork and Beans or similar
- 1 large yellow or sweet onion, chopped (or 2 medium size onions)
- 1-2 Tablespoons butter (for sautéing onions)
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 3 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- ½ cup molasses, unsulphured
- ¼-½ cup brown sugar (use less for less sweetness)
- 6-8 slices uncooked bacon (each slice cut in half or thirds)
Directions:
Preheat and Prepare Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Sauté the Onions In a skillet, sauté the chopped onions over medium to medium-high heat in butter until they are tender and translucent.
- Mix the Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork and beans, ketchup, mustard, molasses, and brown sugar. Mix well. Add the sautéed onions to the bean mixture and stir until thoroughly combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the Bacon Arrange the uncooked bacon slices in a single layer on top of the bean mixture.
- Bake to Perfection Bake the beans on the middle rack of the preheated oven, uncovered, for 2–3 hours. The beans are ready when the top is dark and caramelized.
- Serve and Enjoy Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious Best Ever Baked Beans as a side dish or as a main course!
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 10
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these mouthwatering baked beans as a side dish alongside grilled meats such as burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue ribs for a classic American meal.
- For a hearty brunch, spoon the baked beans over toasted bread or biscuits and top with a fried or poached egg for a savory twist on breakfast.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage Recommendations:
- Store any leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, portion the cooled beans into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw frozen beans overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat leftover beans gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Anastasia’s Best Ever Baked Beans whenever the craving strikes, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively weekend barbecue!
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the bean mixture before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and replace it with diced bell peppers or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.
- Maple Bacon Twist: Substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup for a sweet and savory flavor combination that pairs perfectly with the bacon.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the baked beans during the last 15 minutes of baking for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the bean mixture for a rich, smoky flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an aromatic twist to the dish.
- Extra Protein: Stir in cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to make the baked beans even heartier and more satisfying.
- Sweet and Tangy: Experiment with different types of mustard, such as Dijon or whole grain, to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
- Tex-Mex Fusion: Add a can of diced tomatoes and a packet of taco seasoning to the bean mixture for a Tex-Mex inspired twist.
- Asian Influence: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and garlic into the sauce mixture for an Asian-inspired flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
- Honey Mustard Twist: Swap out the traditional yellow mustard for honey mustard to add a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the dish.
- Applewood Smoked Bacon: Use applewood smoked bacon for a subtle hint of smokiness that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the baked beans.
- Bourbon Infusion: Incorporate a splash of bourbon into the sauce mixture for a sophisticated flavor profile with hints of caramel and oak.
- Italian-Inspired: Add diced Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired twist on classic baked beans.
- Chipotle Infused: Stir in chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy flavor boost that will add depth to the dish.
- Beer-Braised Beans: Replace some of the liquid in the recipe with your favorite beer for a unique and flavorful twist that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.
- Citrus Zest: Add freshly grated orange or lime zest to the bean mixture for a refreshing burst of citrus flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
- Cajun Spice Blend: Mix in a Cajun spice blend or Creole seasoning for a zesty and aromatic flavor profile with a touch of Southern flair.
FAQs :
- Can I use different types of beans for this recipe? Yes, you can experiment with different varieties of beans such as navy beans, black beans, or pinto beans to suit your taste preferences.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the bean mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just add the bacon right before baking.
- How can I make this dish less sweet? Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe or omit it entirely for a less sweet flavor profile.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative such as olive oil or coconut oil.
- What should I serve with these baked beans? These baked beans pair well with a variety of dishes including grilled meats, cornbread, coleslaw, or a green salad.
- Can I freeze leftover baked beans? Yes, leftover baked beans can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How do I reheat leftover baked beans? Reheat leftover baked beans gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, ensure that all ingredients, including the ketchup and mustard, are certified gluten-free to make this recipe gluten-free.
- What’s the best way to store leftover baked beans? Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- How can I customize the level of spiciness in this recipe? Adjust the amount of jalapeños or hot sauce to your desired level of spiciness, starting with a small amount and adding more to taste.
In conclusion, Anastasia’s Best Ever Baked Beans recipe offers a delicious blend of flavors and endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer a smoky, spicy, or sweet variation, these baked beans are sure to become a staple dish for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or lazy weekends. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can elevate any meal with this comforting and satisfying dish. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of homemade baked beans, and happy cooking!