Cheese and Molasses Beans
This hearty, flavorful dish, from the iconic Marlboro Country Cookbook, combines the savory richness of pork and beans with a delightful blend of sweet molasses and gooey cheese, making it an ideal one-dish meal for casual gatherings, potlucks, or camping trips. While the recipe is from the Southwestern U.S. and evokes the spirit of a ranch or chuckwagon meal, its simple ingredients and robust flavors are sure to appeal to all who enjoy comfort food at its finest.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Recipe Category: One-Dish Meal
Keywords: Pork, Beans, Meat, Potluck, Camping, Inexpensive, Less than 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Smoked bacon | 1/4 lb |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 cloves |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Molasses | 1/4 cup |
| Processed cheese, cubed | 1/4 lb |
| Pork and beans | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Steak sauce | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 468 kcal |
| Fat Content | 16.4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 7.7 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 49.3 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1704.9 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 62.7 g |
| Fiber Content | 12.4 g |
| Sugar Content | 15.2 g |
| Protein Content | 22.5 g |
Instructions
-
Fry the Bacon
Begin by frying the smoked bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until it becomes crispy and releases its fat, which will add a delicious, smoky flavor to the beans. -
Drain and Return Fat
Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Pour off most of the bacon fat, but return about 3 tablespoons to the skillet. This will serve as the base for frying the vegetables. -
Cook the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sautรฉ them over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, releasing their fragrant aroma. -
Combine the Beans and Flavorings
To the skillet, add the pork and beans, brown sugar (adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness), molasses, and steak sauce. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure that the brown sugar and molasses dissolve evenly into the mixture. -
Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans should thicken and absorb the flavors of the molasses and seasonings. Be sure to check for desired consistency, adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick. -
Add the Bacon and Cheese
While the beans are simmering, crumble the crispy bacon and set it aside. Just before serving, stir the crumbled bacon into the beans. Add the processed cheese cubes to the dish, stirring them in until they melt and create a rich, creamy texture throughout. -
Serve
Serve the beans hot as a hearty main dish or side. They pair wonderfully with crusty bread or can stand alone as a satisfying one-dish meal.
Tips and Variations
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack, for a variety of flavors. The processed cheese gives a creamy texture, but any melty cheese will work well.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving, adding a little water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Spice It Up: For a little extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeรฑos to the beans before simmering. This will give the dish a spicy, Southwestern flair.
This Cheese and Molasses Beans recipe is a great way to create a simple yet flavorful meal that brings together the warmth of molasses, the savoriness of bacon, and the comfort of beans and cheese. Whether you’re cooking it on a ranch, at a family gathering, or on a camping trip, it is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the heartwarming flavors of the Southwest with this easy-to-make, budget-friendly dish!
