Baked Beans with Pineapple

Baked Beans with Pineapple Recipe - A Delicious American Classic

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Baked Beans with Pineapple is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe combines the hearty, savory flavors of ground sirloin and baked beans with the sweet, tangy taste of pineapple, creating a dish that's both unique and satisfying. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to please a wide range of palates. The addition of fresh vegetables and a rich barbecue sauce adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, making it a memorable meal that stands out from the traditional baked beans recipe.

History

The concept of baked beans dates back to Native Americans, who cooked beans with bear fat and maple syrup. The dish evolved over time, especially with the introduction of molasses by the colonists. The addition of pineapple to baked beans is a more modern twist, reflecting a trend towards incorporating fruit into savory dishes to add a layer of sweetness and acidity. This particular recipe, with its combination of ground sirloin, pineapple, and barbecue sauce, represents a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors, showcasing the versatility of baked beans as a canvas for culinary creativity.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground sirloin
28 oz (794 g) can baked beans
8 oz (227 g) drained pineapple tidbits
1 large white onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
0.5 cup barbecue sauce
1 clove minced garlic
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

In a skillet, brown the sirloin and drain the excess fat.
Place the browned sirloin in a casserole dish.
Add the remaining ingredients and mix them well.
Cover the casserole dish and cook at 325°F for 45 minutes.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground sirloin and add extra beans or a meat substitute.
Add a spicy kick with chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
For a smokier flavor, include smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results for your Baked Beans with Pineapple, consider the following tips:

- Brown the sirloin thoroughly to develop a deep flavor.

- Drain the pineapple tidbits well to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

- Use a high-quality barbecue sauce for the best flavor.

- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the mixture on the stove before baking to reduce the liquid.

- For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect served as a main course, accompanied by sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, or a green salad. It can also be served as a side dish at barbecues or potluck dinners.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Browning the sirloin before baking adds depth to the dish's flavor profile.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey can be used in place of sirloin for a leaner option.

- Peach or mango chunks can substitute for pineapple for a different flavor profile.

- Sweet and spicy barbecue sauce can be used for an extra kick.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. It's also freezer-friendly, making it a great option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in a colorful casserole dish, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. A side of crusty bread makes a perfect accompaniment for soaking up the sauce.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp beer or a fruity white wine pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of this dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this dish contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying yet not overly indulgent meal option. The balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates provides sustained energy.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively high in carbohydrates, primarily due to the baked beans and pineapple. The beans provide complex carbohydrates, which are an excellent source of energy and fiber. The pineapple adds simple sugars, contributing to the dish's overall sweetness. A serving of this recipe contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The ground sirloin contributes to the fat content of this dish, though draining the excess fat helps to keep it at a moderate level. The total fat content per serving is approximately 10 grams, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. Using leaner cuts of beef or ground turkey can further reduce the fat content.

Proteins

This recipe is a good source of protein, thanks to the ground sirloin and beans. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, making this dish a hearty and nutritious option. Each serving provides roughly 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Baked Beans with Pineapple is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from the pineapple, iron and zinc from the sirloin, and a variety of B vitamins from the beans. These nutrients support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten (provided the barbecue sauce used is gluten-free). However, those with specific dietary concerns should always check ingredient labels.

Summary

Overall, Baked Beans with Pineapple is a balanced dish that offers a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a hearty, nutritious option that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Summary

Baked Beans with Pineapple is a versatile, flavorful dish that combines the best of sweet and savory elements. With its rich nutritional profile and the ability to customize to various dietary needs, it's a wonderful addition to any meal plan. Whether you're looking for a comforting main course or a standout side dish, this recipe is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. As I flipped through my old recipe book, I stumbled upon a handwritten note from my dear friend Betty. It read:

"Dear Martha, I hope you enjoy this recipe for Baked Beans with Pineapple. It's a family favorite and always a hit at potlucks. Happy cooking! Love, Betty"

I couldn't wait to try it out. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory beans intrigued me. I knew this was a recipe I had to master.

I reached out to Betty to thank her for the recipe and to ask for any tips or tricks she may have. She was more than happy to help and even offered to come over and show me how it's done.

The next day, Betty arrived at my doorstep with a bag full of ingredients. She said she wanted to watch me make the dish from start to finish so she could offer guidance along the way.

We started by sautéing onions and garlic in a large skillet until they were golden brown and fragrant. The smell filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, we added the canned baked beans and chunks of fresh pineapple to the skillet. The contrast of flavors was already starting to come together beautifully.

Betty then showed me how to season the dish with a blend of spices – a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, a sprinkle of paprika. She explained that the key to a great baked beans with pineapple dish is in the seasoning. It can make or break the dish.

After letting the mixture simmer on the stove for a while, we transferred it to a baking dish and popped it in the oven to finish cooking. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was simply heavenly.

As we waited for the dish to bake, Betty regaled me with stories of how she came to learn this recipe. She told me that she had first tried it at a neighborhood potluck many years ago and had begged the host for the recipe. Since then, she had made it her own, adding her own twists and tweaks along the way.

By the time the timer went off and we pulled the dish out of the oven, I couldn't wait to dig in. The beans were bubbling and the pineapple had caramelized beautifully.

We served ourselves generous helpings and sat down at the kitchen table to enjoy our creation. The first bite was pure bliss – the sweetness of the pineapple melded perfectly with the smoky flavor of the beans. It was a match made in heaven.

As we savored our meal, Betty shared with me some variations she had tried over the years – adding bacon for a smokier flavor, using different types of beans for variety, even experimenting with different types of fruit like peaches or mangos.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen. It was simple yet delicious, comforting yet exciting. And the best part was, it was a dish that brought people together – just like how Betty had brought me into her kitchen to share her love for cooking.

From that day on, Baked Beans with Pineapple became a favorite in my household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a weeknight treat. And each time I made it, I thought of Betty and the wonderful day we had spent together in my kitchen, bonding over our shared love for good food.

I may have learned this recipe from Betty, but I knew that it would become a part of my own culinary repertoire, passed down through generations just like all the other recipes in my collection. And who knows, maybe one day my own grandchildren will come to me, asking for the secret to making the perfect Baked Beans with Pineapple. And I'll be more than happy to share it with them, just like Betty did with me.