Better Than Best Baked Beans Recipe
When it comes to bringing the perfect dish to summer barbecues or potlucks, these Better Than Best Baked Beans are always a crowd-pleaser, earning compliments and requests for the recipe each time they make an appearance. Originating from a PACE Salsa summer pocket cookbook, this recipe is a delightful twist on classic baked beans, enhanced with a kick from cumin and chunky salsa. With a quick and straightforward method, these beans are not only incredibly easy to prepare but also perfect for large gatherings, camping trips, or any occasion where hearty, comforting food is welcome.
Here, you will find everything you need to know about creating this beloved dish that combines convenience and flavor, making it an essential addition to your recipe collection.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Better Than Best Baked Beans |
| Category | Beans |
| Servings | 20 |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 4 hours |
| Total Time | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Calories | 277.6 per serving |
| Rating | 5 stars (4 reviews) |
| Keywords | Mexican, Low Cholesterol, Summer, Camping, For Large Groups, Easy, Inexpensive |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 277.6 |
| Total Fat | 11.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 15.4 mg |
| Sodium | 930.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 39.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.4 g |
| Sugars | 16.1 g |
| Protein | 10.9 g |
Ingredients
The following ingredients come together to create the unique flavor profile of these baked beans, with each element enhancing the dish in its own way. While the measurements are provided, feel free to adjust them to suit your personal taste, as this recipe is highly adaptable.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 1 pound |
| Onions | 2 medium |
| Ketchup | 4 tablespoons |
| Chunky Salsa | 1/4 cup |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground Cumin | 2 teaspoons |
| Canned Baked Beans | 2 cans (28 oz each) |
Instructions
Creating these flavorful baked beans is a simple yet rewarding process that results in a dish everyone will love. Follow the detailed steps below to ensure your beans turn out perfectly every time.
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Fry the Bacon
Begin by placing a frying pan over medium heat. Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces using kitchen scissors and add it to the hot pan. Fry the bacon until it becomes crispy and golden brown, allowing the fat to render. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, ensuring any excess grease is absorbed. -
Sauté the Onions
In the same frying pan, leave some of the bacon fat (about 2 tablespoons) to sauté the onions. Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook them over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds an incredible depth of flavor to the beans. -
Prepare the Beans
While the onions are sautéing, open the cans of baked beans and pour them into a 6-quart crockpot. -
Combine Ingredients
Once the onions are sautéed to perfection, you can choose to pour them into a strainer to drain off any excess grease, although this step is not absolutely necessary. Then, add the sautéed onions and the cooked bacon into the crockpot with the beans. Stir in the ketchup, chunky salsa, honey, and ground cumin, ensuring everything is mixed very well. This combination creates a rich and flavorful base for the dish. -
Cook the Beans
Set the crockpot to cook on high for approximately 3 hours. After this time, switch the setting to low and continue cooking for an additional 2 hours. This slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you prefer to prepare these beans for a gathering, consider making them early in the morning for that evening or even the night before. Cooking them overnight in the crockpot ensures they are ready and delicious when you need them. -
Taste and Adjust
Throughout the cooking process, taste the beans periodically. You may want to add more salsa or ground cumin based on your preference, particularly if you enjoy a stronger flavor of cumin in your dish. -
Serve and Enjoy
These baked beans can be kept hot in the crockpot for a long time, making them ideal for gatherings. If you’re preparing them for a party, simply turn the crockpot back on a couple of hours before serving. Leftovers, if there are any, are fantastic the next day and can be stored in the fridge or frozen for later use. To reheat, simply microwave or use the crockpot once thawed.
Storage Tips
- Freezing: This recipe freezes very well, and if you find yourself with leftover baked beans, pour them into resealable plastic bags, flatten them, and freeze. They can double as excellent ice packs when you’re camping or traveling.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy your frozen beans, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat in the microwave or crockpot until warmed through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Better Than Best Baked Beans are not just a dish; they are a conversation starter and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. The fusion of flavors from the bacon, onions, and spices creates a memorable taste that keeps guests coming back for more. With the ease of preparation and the adaptability of ingredients, this recipe is a must-have for anyone looking to impress at their next barbecue or family gathering. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to wow your friends and family with this delightful, easy, and flavorful dish that truly stands out.
Enjoy your cooking!
