Lazy Beans

Lazy Beans Recipe with Bacon, Onion, Brown Sugar, and Mustard

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2-2.5 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Lazy Beans is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a lazy day when you want something hearty and delicious without putting in too much effort. This recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for family gatherings and cookouts.

History

Lazy Beans have been a popular dish in American cuisine for decades. The recipe is believed to have originated in the southern United States, where slow-cooked beans were a staple food for many families. Over time, variations of the recipe have emerged, but the basic concept of combining beans with bacon and seasonings remains the same.

Ingredients

4 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
0.5 cup of chopped onion
2 1 lb (454 g) cans of pork and beans
2 tbsp of brown sugar
1-0.5 tbsp of worcestershire sauce
1 tsp of prepared mustard

How to prepare

Cook the bacon until it is crisp and then drain it.
Set aside 1 and a half tablespoons of the bacon drippings.
Crumble the bacon into small pieces.
In the reserved bacon drippings, cook the onion until it is tender but not browned.
Add the cooked onion to the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
Bake the dish uncovered on a grill with the hood down for 2 to 2 and a half hours.
Enjoy the outdoors while these beans slowly simmer on your grill.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a unique flavor.
Top the beans with shredded cheese or breadcrumbs before baking for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crisp to add a crunchy texture to the dish.

- Reserve some of the bacon drippings to enhance the flavor of the beans.

- Slow cooking the beans on a grill with the hood down allows the flavors to meld together and creates a smoky taste.

Serving Suggestions

Lazy Beans can be served as a main dish with cornbread or as a side dish with grilled meats. They pair well with barbecue chicken, ribs, or burgers.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the beans on a grill with the hood down allows the flavors to meld together and creates a smoky taste. This technique adds depth and richness to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative to traditional bacon.

- Maple syrup or honey can be used in place of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

- Dijon mustard can be substituted for prepared mustard for a tangier taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Lazy Beans can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lazy Beans in a rustic casserole dish or individual ramekins for a charming presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Lazy Beans pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, salads, and cornbread. They are a versatile side dish that complements a wide range of flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Lazy Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lazy Beans contains around 250 calories, making it a moderate calorie option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Lazy Beans are a carbohydrate-rich dish, with each serving containing approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The beans and brown sugar provide a natural source of carbohydrates, making this dish a satisfying and filling option.

Fats

Each serving of Lazy Beans contains around 8 grams of fat, primarily from the bacon and bacon drippings. While this dish is not low in fat, the fats add flavor and richness to the beans.

Proteins

Lazy Beans are a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 10 grams. The bacon and beans both contribute to the protein content of this dish, making it a satisfying and hearty meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

Lazy Beans are a good source of iron, potassium, and fiber. The beans provide a healthy dose of fiber, while the bacon adds iron and potassium to the dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Lazy Beans are a hearty and flavorful dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. While it is not a low-calorie option, it is a satisfying and delicious choice for a lazy day meal.

Summary

Lazy Beans are a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a lazy day when you want something hearty and delicious without putting in too much effort. This recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for family gatherings and cookouts.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Lazy Beans. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who lived down the street from me. Mrs. Jenkins was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to the times I got to taste her cooking.

On this particular day, Mrs. Jenkins had invited me over for lunch, and as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the most enticing aroma. I could tell that she had been busy cooking up something wonderful. Mrs. Jenkins had a twinkle in her eye as she handed me a bowl of steaming hot beans, smothered in a rich, savory sauce.

"These are my Lazy Beans," she said with a smile. "They're so easy to make, and they taste absolutely delicious."

I took a bite of the beans and was immediately hooked. The flavors were out of this world – tangy, sweet, and perfectly balanced. I begged Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe, and she was more than happy to share it with me.

As I sat at her kitchen table, scribbling down the ingredients and instructions for Lazy Beans, Mrs. Jenkins regaled me with the story of how she had come to learn this recipe. It turns out that she had picked it up from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

Mrs. Jenkins's grandmother had been a fantastic cook, known far and wide for her culinary skills. She had a knack for taking simple, humble ingredients and turning them into mouthwatering dishes that would have people coming back for more.

Lazy Beans, in particular, had been one of her signature recipes. Mrs. Jenkins's grandmother had developed it as a way to use up leftover beans and create a hearty, satisfying meal for her family.

Over the years, Mrs. Jenkins had made some tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding her own personal touch to make it even better. And now, she was passing it on to me, so that I could enjoy it with my own family.

I left Mrs. Jenkins's house that day feeling inspired and excited to try out the Lazy Beans recipe for myself. When I got home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work in the kitchen.

The recipe was indeed simple and straightforward, just as Mrs. Jenkins had promised. I sautéed onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil until they were fragrant, then added in a can of beans, some tomato sauce, and a few dashes of spices. I let the mixture simmer on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop into something truly magical.

When the Lazy Beans were finally ready, I scooped them into a bowl and took a tentative bite. The taste transported me back to Mrs. Jenkins's kitchen, with its warm, inviting atmosphere and the comforting scent of home-cooked food.

I knew right then and there that Lazy Beans would become a staple in my own recipe repertoire. I would make it for my family, for my friends, for anyone who appreciated good, honest cooking.

And as I sat down to enjoy my first homemade batch of Lazy Beans, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the wonderful people in my life who had shared their knowledge and passion for cooking with me. Mrs. Jenkins, her grandmother, and all the others who had contributed to my culinary education – I owed them a debt of gratitude that could never be repaid.

But I could certainly honor them by continuing to cook, to experiment, and to create new memories in the kitchen. And with each delicious bite of Lazy Beans, I would carry on their legacy of love, tradition, and good food.