Hearty Baked Beans
Crowd-pleasing baked beans with bacon, beef, and pomegranate molasses. Oven or crockpot method plus make-ahead and freezing tips.
This recipe is modified from a cookbook that my parents gave me when my husband and I got married 32 years ago. It was a fund-raiser for St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where we belonged, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. I was always looking for new recipes to try, and this one is a family favorite. It is the most requested side dish when we have cook-outs, and my now adult children always take the leftovers back with them.
Submitted by: Carole Gescheidle from Appleton, WI
Yield: 14-16 generous
- This savory side mixes bacon, 1.5 lb ground beef, canned baked beans, tomato soup, brown sugar, and pomegranate molasses for a sweet-tangy BBQ favorite.
- Bake at 350 F for 1 hour in a Dutch oven or cook on low in a crockpot for about 4 hours. Letting it sit overnight improves the flavor.
- Leftovers freeze well. Adjust sweetness, thickness, and seasoning to taste; start with small amounts of specialty seasonings and build up.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does "1 and a half ground beef" mean?
That means 1.5 pounds of ground beef. Use regular ground beef or a leaner option if you prefer less fat.
Can I substitute pomegranate molasses? What amount should I use?
Yes. Use 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses. If you do not have it, substitute equal parts balsamic vinegar plus a pinch of brown sugar, or 2 tablespoons maple syrup plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice for a similar sweet-tart note.
How much Great North Maple Garlic should I add?
Start with 1 teaspoon, then taste and add up to 1 tablespoon if you want a stronger maple-garlic flavor. Season gradually so you don't overpower the dish.
Should I drain the canned baked beans before using them?
Drain most of the liquid to avoid a soupy casserole, but keep a little sauce if the beans look dry. You can reserve up to 1/2 cup of the bean liquid to add back as needed.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Omit the bacon and beef. Replace bacon with smoked tempeh, diced smoked tofu, or extra smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Use vegetarian baked beans and a plant-based ground meat if you want texture similar to the original.
What are the oven and crockpot cooking times and tips?
Oven: bake covered or in a Dutch oven at 350 F for about 1 hour. Crockpot: cook on low about 3 to 4 hours until heated through, then switch to warm. Stir once or twice and check thickness near the end; reduce or thicken if needed.
How do I adjust sweetness, tang, or thickness?
To reduce sweetness, cut the brown sugar. To boost tang, add a little more pomegranate molasses or a splash of vinegar. For thicker beans, mix the flour into the tomato soup before adding, or stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end and simmer until thickened.
How should I store and reheat leftovers or freeze this dish?
Cool completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the oven until hot. Add a splash of water if it seems dry when reheating.
What does "1 and a half ground beef" mean?
That means 1.5 pounds of ground beef. Use regular ground beef or a leaner option if you prefer less fat.
Can I substitute pomegranate molasses? What amount should I use?
Yes. Use 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses. If you do not have it, substitute equal parts balsamic vinegar plus a pinch of brown sugar, or 2 tablespoons maple syrup plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice for a similar sweet-tart note.
How much Great North Maple Garlic should I add?
Start with 1 teaspoon, then taste and add up to 1 tablespoon if you want a stronger maple-garlic flavor. Season gradually so you don't overpower the dish.
Should I drain the canned baked beans before using them?
Drain most of the liquid to avoid a soupy casserole, but keep a little sauce if the beans look dry. You can reserve up to 1/2 cup of the bean liquid to add back as needed.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Omit the bacon and beef. Replace bacon with smoked tempeh, diced smoked tofu, or extra smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Use vegetarian baked beans and a plant-based ground meat if you want texture similar to the original.
What are the oven and crockpot cooking times and tips?
Oven: bake covered or in a Dutch oven at 350 F for about 1 hour. Crockpot: cook on low about 3 to 4 hours until heated through, then switch to warm. Stir once or twice and check thickness near the end; reduce or thicken if needed.
How do I adjust sweetness, tang, or thickness?
To reduce sweetness, cut the brown sugar. To boost tang, add a little more pomegranate molasses or a splash of vinegar. For thicker beans, mix the flour into the tomato soup before adding, or stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end and simmer until thickened.
How should I store and reheat leftovers or freeze this dish?
Cool completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the oven until hot. Add a splash of water if it seems dry when reheating.
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