Gramma Beaton’s Baked Beans 🥓🍲
Description: So simple, it’s deceptive. Few ingredients, but great flavor and texture. This is a simple baked bean recipe that came to us through my aunt’s neighbor’s mother, Mrs. Beaton.
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Recipe Category: Beans
- Keywords: Weeknight, Oven, Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups red kidney beans
- 1 slice of bacon, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
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Soak Beans: Begin by soaking the red kidney beans overnight. This will help soften them and reduce cooking time.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’re done assembling the ingredients.
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Prepare Bean Mixture: In a bean pot or casserole dish, combine the soaked red kidney beans, diced bacon, chopped onion, and brown sugar. These simple ingredients will infuse the beans with rich flavor as they cook.
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Add Water: Pour enough water into the pot to cover the bean mixture. This will create a savory broth as the beans bake.
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Bake: Place the covered pot in the preheated oven and bake for 4 to 6 hours. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the texture you prefer for your beans.
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Check Water Levels: Periodically check the water level during cooking, adding more if needed to ensure the beans remain moist and tender.
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Uncover for Final Cooking: About 30 minutes before the beans are done, uncover the pot. This allows the liquid to reduce slightly and lets the top layer of beans develop a delicious crust.
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Serve: Once the beans are tender and flavorful, remove them from the oven. Serve hot as a hearty side dish or a comforting main course.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 633.8
- Fat Content: 34.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 11.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 51.5mg
- Sodium Content: 647.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 63.2g
- Fiber Content: 8.6g
- Sugar Content: 36.1g
- Protein Content: 18.7g
Tips:
- To save time on busy weeknights, prepare the bean mixture in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Then, simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.
- Experiment with different types of beans for unique flavor variations. Navy beans or black beans can work well in this recipe.
- For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke to the bean mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Gramma Beaton’s Baked Beans are a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that will have everyone coming back for more. Soak those beans, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of nostalgia with every bite! 🌟