Unbelievably Good Beans Recipe

If you're craving a hearty and flavorful dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Easy to make and packed with rich, comforting flavors, these beans are perfect as a side or a main course.

Cooking Hints

Soak dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
Use fresh herbs at the end of cooking for a bright, fresh flavor.
Stir occasionally to prevent beans from sticking to the pot.

Ingredients 0/8

2 pounds thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ¼ cup water 3 bunches green onions, diced 1 (16 ounce) package golden brown sugar 1 (12 ounce) bottle tomato-based chili sauce (such as Heinz®) 3 (15 ounce) cans pork and beans in tomato sauce (such as VanCamp's®) 3 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained 3 (15 ounce) cans lima beans, drained

What Makes This Recipe Unique

Brimming with rich flavors and comforting textures. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and perfect for any meal. The blend of spices brings out the natural sweetness of the beans, making every bite satisfying.

Step 1

Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Keep an eye on it and turn it every now and then until it’s just a little crispy, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, drain the bacon on some paper towels, but don’t toss all the grease—save about 3 tablespoons and get rid of the rest.

Step 2

Add about a quarter cup of water to the pan and bring it to a boil, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the water evaporate, then add back the reserved bacon grease along with the chopped green onions. Cook everything together until the onions soften, roughly 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3

Now, stir in the brown sugar a little at a time, about a quarter cup, and cook it until it starts to caramelize and turn golden—this should take around 5 minutes. Then mix in the chili sauce and let it cook for a couple more minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4

Pour in the pork and beans, kidney beans, and lima beans, stirring well so all the beans get coated with the sauce. Toss the bacon back into the pot, give everything a good stir, then cover and lower the heat. Let it simmer gently for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking or burning. This slow simmer really lets all those flavors come together.

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By David Brown

David shares approachable recipes, helpful cooking tips, and simple meal ideas.

Serving Ideas To Try

Serve warm with a side of rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. It also pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How To Refrigerate This Dish

Let the beans cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bacon pieces that are already cooked or precooked bacon?

It’s best to cook the bacon fresh to render the fat and get the right texture, but you can use precooked bacon—just add it later to avoid overcooking.

What can I substitute for the pork and beans if I don’t have them?

You can use any canned baked beans or even another type of canned beans in tomato sauce as a substitute.

Do I need to drain all the beans before adding them?

Drain the kidney and lima beans, but leave the pork and beans in their sauce to keep the dish flavorful.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, after cooking the bacon and onions, combine all ingredients in the 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 up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can omit the bacon and use a smoky seasoning or smoked paprika to add flavor instead.

Can I use regular onions instead of green onions?

Yes, regular onions work fine; just dice them and cook until soft before adding the brown sugar.

Why do I need to simmer the beans for so long?

The long simmer helps the flavors meld and thickens the sauce for a richer taste and better texture.