Backwoods Idaho Thick and Hearty Smoky Baked Beans ๐ฅ๐
Overview:
Growing up in a quaint North Idaho town surrounded by towering trees and rugged terrain, I learned the art of hearty cooking from three burly loggers who appreciated nothing more than a robust, filling meal after a day’s labor. These Backwoods Idaho Thick and Hearty Smoky Baked Beans are a testament to that tradition, delivering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that pair perfectly with grilled steak or chicken and a generous helping of classic Idaho potato salad. With a cooking time of just 2 hours and 15 minutes, this recipe is ideal for those seeking a comforting meal with minimal fuss.
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Canadian
- Category: Beans
- Keywords: Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (hamburger)
- 1 pound bacon
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) red kidney beans, drained
- 1 cup ketchup
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 566
- Fat: 10.9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.1g
- Cholesterol: 55.8mg
- Sodium: 1426.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 89.8g
- Fiber: 20.6g
- Sugar: 14.5g
- Protein: 33.8g
Instructions:
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Brown Hamburger and Onion:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
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Brown Bacon:
- While the hamburger is cooking, dice the bacon and cook it until crisp in a separate skillet. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels and set aside.
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Mix Remaining Ingredients:
- In a very large bowl, combine the liquid smoke, white vinegar, brown sugar, drained kidney beans, and ketchup. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
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Combine and Bake:
- Add the cooked bacon and hamburger mixture to the bowl with the other ingredients. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into an 11×15-inch baking pan. It’s important to use a larger pan as the mixture will expand during baking.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 325ยฐF (165ยฐC).
- Bake the beans in the preheated oven for 2 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and develop that irresistible smoky richness.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the foil and serve these hearty baked beans alongside your favorite grilled meats or as a standalone dish. They’re also fantastic with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added indulgence.
Conclusion:
Backwoods Idaho Thick and Hearty Smoky Baked Beans are a quintessential taste of the rugged outdoors, combining savory bacon, flavorful hamburger, and a rich medley of seasonings. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd at a backyard barbecue or simply craving a cozy night in with comfort food, these baked beans are sure to satisfy. So fire up your oven, embrace the spirit of the great outdoors, and indulge in the hearty goodness of these delicious beans.