Zesty Southwest Baked Beans
These Zesty Southwest Baked Beans are the perfect accompaniment to any BBQ or burger night! With the robust flavors of spicy jalapeño, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and earthy cumin, these beans pack a punch while remaining healthy and low in fat. Ideal for gatherings or as a comforting side dish, you can customize the beans by substituting black beans for the pinto beans, or even combining both for added texture. Enjoy this delicious recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
4
Servings
80
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped onion
1 cup (chopped)
chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
jalapeno pepper
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
pinto beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (rinsed and drained)
beer
1/2 cup (any lager or ale)
sliced sun-dried tomato
1/4 cup (softened)
light brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
cumin
1 teaspoon
dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon
bay leaf
1
salt
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
2
In a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish, combine the sautéed vegetable mixture with the rinsed pinto beans, beer, sun-dried tomatoes, brown sugar, cumin, dried thyme, bay leaf, and salt.
3
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
4
After 30 minutes, remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is nearly absorbed and the beans are bubbly.
5
Once baked, remove from the oven and discard the bay leaf. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
14g
Carbs
4g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the pinto beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute black beans for the pinto beans or use a combination of both for added texture.
What type of beer is best for these baked beans?
Any lager or ale will work well for this recipe to add depth of flavor.
Can I make this recipe alcohol-free?
Yes, you can substitute the beer with vegetable broth or water if you prefer.
How spicy are these Southwest baked beans?
The jalapeno and cumin provide a medium kick; you can adjust the heat by including or removing the jalapeno seeds.
Are these baked beans healthy?
Yes, they are low in fat with only 1g per serving and contain 4g of protein and 3g of fiber.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the beans need to bake?
Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Should I rinse the canned beans?
Yes, the recipe recommends rinsing and draining the pinto beans before adding them to the dish.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
While sun-dried tomatoes provide a specific concentrated sweetness, you can use fresh tomatoes, though the flavor profile will change.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables first?
Yes, sautéing the onion, pepper, jalapeno, and garlic for about 8 minutes ensures they are tender and fragrant.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this dish vegan?
The recipe is naturally vegan as long as you ensure your beer and brown sugar are processed vegan-friendly.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 1 1/2 quart casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
What should I do with the bay leaf?
The bay leaf should be discarded after baking and before serving.
Can I prepare these beans in a slow cooker?
Yes, after sautéing the vegetables, you can combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Can these beans be frozen?
Yes, these baked beans freeze well in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What are some serving suggestions?
These beans are perfect for BBQ nights, served alongside burgers, or as a side for grilled chicken.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must soak and fully cook the dried beans before using them in this baking recipe.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
You can use maple syrup or honey as a substitute for light brown sugar.
How much fiber is in this recipe?
There are 3 grams of fiber per serving.
Is there a lot of fat in this dish?
No, this is a low-fat recipe with only 1 gram of fat per serving.
What if I don't have a green bell pepper?
You can use a red, orange, or yellow bell pepper as a substitute.
Why do I bake them uncovered for the last 15 minutes?
Baking uncovered allows the liquid to reduce and thicken, making the beans bubbly.
How many servings does this make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, adding cooked bacon or chorizo during the vegetable sauté phase would add a savory depth.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Are there any gluten-containing ingredients?
The beer may contain gluten; use a gluten-free beer or broth if you require a gluten-free dish.
Is this a good dish for a potluck?
Absolutely, it is a comforting and flavorful side dish that travels well and appeals to many.