Classic Comfort Baked Beans
This Classic Comfort Baked Beans recipe brings together the smoky flavor of crisp bacon and the sweetness of brown sugar, combining them with hearty pork and beans in a rich tomato sauce. Inspired by my mother's cherished recipe, these baked beans are a nostalgic dish that makes the perfect side for family gatherings, picnics, or a cozy dinner at home. Easy to prepare and filled with comforting flavors, this dish will remind you of home-cooked meals from childhood, making it a perfect addition to any menu.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
4 slices (Cooked until crisp, crumbled)
Bacon drippings
3 tablespoons (Reserved from cooking bacon)
Onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Pork and beans in tomato sauce
2 (16 ounce) cans (Drained)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (Packed)
Catsup
2 tablespoons (None)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (None)
Prepared mustard
1 tablespoon (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet, allowing excess grease to drain. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet.
2
Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set aside.
3
In the same skillet with the reserved drippings, add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until it becomes tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in the drained pork and beans, brown sugar, catsup, Worcestershire sauce, and prepared mustard, mixing well until all ingredients are combined.
5
Transfer the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.
6
Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours, or until the mixture is bubbling and heated through. Alternatively, you can cook in the microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring halfway through.
7
Allow to sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Comfort Baked Beans?
Classic Comfort Baked Beans is a nostalgic side dish featuring smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, and hearty pork and beans in a rich tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in these baked beans?
The main ingredients include bacon, onion, pork and beans in tomato sauce, brown sugar, catsup, Worcestershire sauce, and prepared mustard.
How should I prepare the bacon?
Cook 4 slices of bacon in a skillet until crisp, then crumble them into small pieces and set aside.
Should I keep the bacon grease?
Yes, reserve about 3 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet to sauté the onions.
How much onion do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How long do I sauté the onion?
Sauté the onion in the reserved drippings for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender and translucent.
What kind of beans are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for two 16-ounce cans of pork and beans in tomato sauce.
Do I need to drain the beans?
Yes, the instructions specify that the pork and beans should be drained.
How much brown sugar is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
Is catsup used in this recipe?
Yes, add 2 tablespoons of catsup to the mixture.
What is the amount of Worcestershire sauce needed?
Use 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
What type of mustard should I use?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of prepared mustard.
What size casserole dish is needed?
Use a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
How do I assemble the dish for baking?
Mix the ingredients, transfer to the casserole dish, spread evenly, and sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, bake the beans uncovered.
How long do the beans need to bake in the oven?
Bake for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours until the mixture is bubbling and heated through.
Can I cook these baked beans in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook them on high for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is inspired by the author's mother's cherished recipe.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe filled with comforting flavors.
When is the best time to serve these beans?
They are a perfect side for family gatherings, picnics, or a cozy dinner at home.
Should I let the beans rest after cooking?
Yes, allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a smoky flavor from the bacon and sweetness from the brown sugar.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be chopped before being sautéed.
Can this dish be served at picnics?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a perfect side for picnics.
Does the recipe use dry beans?
No, it uses canned pork and beans for convenience.
How do I know the beans are done?
The mixture will be bubbling and thoroughly heated through.
What is the preparation for the brown sugar?
The brown sugar should be packed when measuring.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients listed.