Mother's Baked Beans

Mother's Baked Beans Recipe with Bacon, Onion, Bell Pepper, Pork, and Catsup

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mother's Baked Beans is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. The combination of savory bacon, sweet ketchup, and hearty beans creates a delicious and satisfying side dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Baked beans have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries, with recipes dating back to the early colonial period. The addition of bacon and ketchup to baked beans is a popular variation that adds depth of flavor and richness to the dish.

Ingredients

6 slices of bacon
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 can of pork and beans (16 oz (454 g))
5 tbsp of ketchup

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about 7 minutes. Drain the bacon on paper towels.
Transfer the bacon drippings to a medium ovenproof pan.
Add the onion and bell pepper to the bacon drippings and sauté over medium heat until soft, about 7 minutes.
Stir in the pork and beans.
Crumble the bacon and add it to the beans.
Pour the ketchup over the beans and spread it over the top to the edges.
Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
Stir the ketchup into the beans.

Note

This dish can be made 1 day ahead; cover the beans and refrigerate.
Serves 4.
Source: My Old Recipes.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beans.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add extra vegetables, such as diced carrots or celery.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to crisp the bacon before adding it to the beans for maximum flavor.

- Sautéing the onion and bell pepper in the bacon drippings adds an extra layer of richness to the dish.

- Covering the beans while baking helps to lock in moisture and prevent them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Mother's Baked Beans are delicious served alongside grilled meats, such as barbecue chicken or ribs. They also pair well with cornbread or a green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the beans in the oven helps to meld the flavors together and create a rich, savory dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bacon on hand, you can substitute with diced ham or smoked sausage for a similar flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Mother's Baked Beans can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 1 day before serving. Simply cover the beans and reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mother's Baked Beans in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Mother's Baked Beans pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, cornbread, coleslaw, and potato salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mother's Baked Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mother's Baked Beans contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mother's Baked Beans contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mother's Baked Beans contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mother's Baked Beans contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mother's Baked Beans are a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies.

Summary

Mother's Baked Beans are a hearty and satisfying side dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C, and contain approximately 250 calories per serving.

Summary

Mother's Baked Beans are a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious side dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Elizabeth for a cup of tea. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, chatting about life and sharing recipes, she suddenly brought out a worn, yellowed piece of paper from her recipe box.

"Mary, I have something special to share with you," Elizabeth said with a twinkle in her eye. "This is my mother's famous Baked Beans recipe. It has been passed down through generations in our family, and I know you will love it as much as we do."

I eagerly took the recipe from her hands, my heart racing with excitement. Baked Beans had always been a favorite dish of mine, and I had been searching for the perfect recipe for years. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel the love and tradition that had been woven into every word.

"Thank you, Elizabeth," I said, my eyes brimming with tears. "I will cherish this recipe always."

And cherish it I did. That very weekend, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, following the recipe with care and precision. The aroma that wafted through the house as the beans baked in the oven filled me with a sense of comfort and nostalgia. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own family for years to come.

As the years passed, I made Mother's Baked Beans for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and Sunday dinners. Each time I served the dish, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I took pride in sharing the story of how I had come to acquire such a cherished recipe, and the memories of that fateful day with Elizabeth always brought a smile to my face.

One day, as I was preparing a batch of Baked Beans for yet another gathering, my granddaughter Evelyn came into the kitchen and watched me with curious eyes.

"Grandma, what are you making?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.

"These are Mother's Baked Beans, Evelyn," I replied, stirring the pot with a wooden spoon. "It's a recipe that has been in our family for generations. Would you like to help me make them?"

Evelyn's eyes lit up with excitement, and she eagerly joined me at the kitchen counter, ready to learn the secrets of the beloved recipe. As we worked together, measuring out ingredients and stirring the pot, I felt a sense of joy and contentment wash over me. Passing down this recipe to my granddaughter was a way of preserving our family's traditions and ensuring that they would live on for generations to come.

As we sat down to enjoy the Baked Beans that evening, I watched with pride as Evelyn took her first bite. A look of sheer delight crossed her face, and I knew that I had succeeded in passing on a piece of our family's history to the next generation.

Years have passed since that day, and Evelyn has now become the guardian of Mother's Baked Beans in our family. She makes the dish with the same love and care that I did, and it warms my heart to see her carrying on the tradition with such passion and dedication.

The recipe for Mother's Baked Beans has become more than just a dish in our family. It is a symbol of love, tradition, and connection that binds us together across the generations. And as I sit here, reflecting on the memories and moments that have shaped my life, I am filled with gratitude for the day I discovered that cherished recipe in Elizabeth's kitchen.

Mother's Baked Beans will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together, to create lasting memories, and to pass down the stories of our past. And for that, I am eternally grateful.