THE RECIPE JOURNAL · Main Course
Hearty Baked Beans from Mother Earth
This comforting dish is perfect for cozy gatherings or a satisfying weeknight meal. Packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite straight from the heart.
FROM THE KITCHEN • Hearty Baked Beans from Mother Earth
01 THE RECIPE
Let's make it.
Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.
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01
Step 1
Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Turn it every now and then until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the bacon on some paper towels, but keep about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet. Crumble the bacon and pop it into your slow cooker.
02
Step 2
Next, add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and broken into small pieces—this usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef and onions to the slow cooker with the bacon.
03
Step 3
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, molasses, liquid smoke, black pepper, and chili powder. Pour this sauce over the meat mixture in the slow cooker and give everything a good stir.
04
Step 4
Now add all the beans—the baked beans, kidney beans, Great Northern beans, and pinto beans—and mix everything well so the flavors meld together.
05
Step 5
Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 6 hours. If you can, refrigerate it overnight for 8 hours to let the flavors deepen even more. When you’re ready to eat, warm it up again in the slow cooker for at least an hour until it’s nice and hot.
Why you’ll love it
This dish is warm, comforting, and full of rich flavors that remind you of home. It’s a great source of protein and fiber, making it both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
How to serve
Serve alongside crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or pickled vegetables to balance the richness. Leftover beans can also be used as a filling for wraps or tacos.
Storage & leftovers
Allow the beans to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
