Fabulous Four Bean Bake Recipe
Introduction
Welcome to Love with Recipes, where we bring you delightful culinary creations like our Fabulous Four Bean Bake! This hearty dish is perfect for summer evenings or quick weeknight dinners, combining the wholesome goodness of four different beans with savory bacon and a touch of sweetness. It’s baked to perfection in the oven, ensuring a comforting meal that will satisfy both family and guests alike.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Fabulous Four Bean Bake
- Category: Beans
- Keywords: Summer, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
- Servings: 8
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (Prep: 25 minutes, Cook: 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Calories per Serving: 356.4
- Rating: 5 stars (from 1 review)
Ingredients
- 2 onions
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 cans butter beans
- 2 cans lima beans
- 2 cans dark red kidney beans
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 356.4
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6g
- Cholesterol: 15.4mg
- Sodium: 841.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 52.6g
- Fiber: 9.6g
- Sugars: 16.9g
- Protein: 13.3g
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Prepare Bacon: In a large stockpot, cook the bacon until it becomes crisp. Remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels, keeping 3-4 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
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Cook Onions: Saute the onions in the reserved bacon fat until they soften and turn translucent.
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Add Sugar and Vinegar: Stir in the dark brown sugar and white vinegar. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
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Add Garlic and Beans: Add the minced garlic cloves and all three types of beans (butter beans, lima beans, and dark red kidney beans) to the pot. Stir well to combine.
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Simmer and Transfer: Bring the mixture back to a boil. Once boiling, transfer everything into a large baking dish.
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Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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Add Bacon Topping: Remove the cover and sprinkle the cooked bacon bits evenly over the top of the beans.
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Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This Fabulous Four Bean Bake is best enjoyed warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips and Serving Suggestions
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.
- Side Dish: Serve as a hearty side dish with grilled meats or as a standalone main course for a vegetarian meal.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe by adjusting the sweetness or adding extra spices to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion
With its rich flavors and comforting aroma, the Fabulous Four Bean Bake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution, this dish delivers on taste and simplicity. Explore more delicious recipes and cooking tips at Love with Recipes, where every meal is a celebration of flavor and creativity.