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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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By Arjun Patel

Recipe Contributor

Arjun enjoys creating straightforward recipes that work well in real kitchens.