These recipes are adapted from the original Cheater Bean recipe given to us by my husband's Aunt Cheryl, many years ago. It's a hit any time of year for either a small family dinner or a large pot-luck. Here, I've posted my version of a from-scratch recipe, which uses dried navy beans to start and provides an end result with more texture. However, it does take considerably longer, due to the requirement to soak and fully cook the beans. I am also including the Cheater Bean recipe, which uses canned beans. It is super easy and only takes the time required to mix and meld the flavours. You can use a slow cooker or a Dutch oven for either of these bean recipes. Serve as a stand-alone side dish, or top with ham, wieners or pulled pork and add fresh herbs!
Scratch Baked Beans
Serves 10-12 - as a side
Ingredients:
2 cups dry navy beans
8 cups water - to soak beans
8 slices thick cut bacon, diced
1 large yellow onion, diced finely
1 cup water
6 cups tomato juice
2 tbsps worchestershire sauce
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses - regular/fancy variety, as blackstrap can be too bitter
2 tbsps corn starch
2 tbsp dry mustard - or 4 tbsps prepared yellow mustard
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
Directions:
1. Pour beans into a Dutch oven and sort through for any little rocks or debris, cover with water and let soak over night at room temperature
2. The next morning, drain the beans in a colander and set aside - wipe out the Dutch oven and preheat the main oven to 225 degrees
3. Oven medium-high heat (5-6 out of 10) saute the diced bacon and onions in the Dutch oven, spoon out excess dripppings, if there are any. Stir frequently
4. Whisk cornstarch into tomato juice
5. When you see caramelized bits in the bottom of the pan, and onions are nearly disintegrated, deglaze with 1 cup water, scrape up any browned bits
6. Pour in all the other ingredients and give it a good stir
7. Bring to a boil, cover and place in the oven for about 8 hours, depending on desired consistency
8. Stir every 2-3 hours
9. When beans are tender and sauce has thickened, remove from oven and let stand at least 15 minutes before serving
For the slow cooker: Soak and drain beans as above. Saute bacon and onion in a pan, until fat is rendered and onions are translucent. Remove any excess drippings. Put everything into a slow cooker and mix well. Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories 239
Total Fat 11.5g 15% Saturated Fat 4.7g 23% Cholesterol 27mg 9% Sodium 864mg 38% Total Carbohydrate 29.7g 11% Dietary Fiber 2.4g 9%
Total Sugars 19.8g Protein 7.5g Calcium 57mg 4% Iron 2mg 11% Potassium 503mg 11%
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Cheater Beans
Serves 10-12 - as a side
Ingredients:
8 slices of thick bacon, diced
1 large yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup corn starch
1 tsp dry mustard or 1 tbsp prepared yellow mustard
1/2 cup molasses
4 tins of brown beans - in tomato sauce or molasses
Directions:
1. Preheat slow cooker on low
2. Fry bacon until crisp, drain - reserving 2 tbsps of drippings
3. Saute onion in bacon drippings until soft
4. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and mix well
5. Slow cook on low for 6-8 hours (or in a Dutch oven at 225 degrees for about 6 hours). Stir occasionally. Beans are done when sauce is thick and rich.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories 299
Total Fat 12.1g 15% Saturated Fat 4.7g 23% Cholesterol 27mg 9% Sodium 1134mg 49% Total Carbohydrate 41.2g 15% Dietary Fiber 4.4g 16%
Total Sugars 25.1g Protein 8.2g Calcium 77mg 6% Iron 2mg 14% Potassium 503mg 11%
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Notes:
You can cut these recipes in half, or double them, easily.
These beans store in the fridge, in an airtight container, up to 5 days and in the freezer up to 6 months.
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