There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a home-cooked meal, and today, I’m going to share with you one of my all-time favorites – the Baked Bean Casserole. This recipe has been in my family for generations, and it’s a dish that’s close to my heart. Originating from the heartland of America, this dish is a testament to the idea that simple ingredients, when put together correctly, can create a symphony of flavors that is downright delicious. This casserole, consisting of bacon drippings, garlic salt, onions, and various types of beans, is bursting with flavor and is the perfect dish to serve at family gatherings or just a cozy dinner at home. The beauty of this recipe is the layering of flavors – the sweetness of the brown sugar, the tanginess of the vinegar, and the smokiness of the bacon drippings all work together to create a dish that is hearty, satisfying, and oh-so-comforting. I love this recipe because it’s easy to make and it’s a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to get some protein into your diet in a delicious way. So, if you’re ready, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. bacon drippings
- 3 Tbsp. garlic salt
- 3 medium onions, sliced
- 1 large can pork and beans
- 1 regular can red kidney beans
- 1 can small green lima beans
- 1/2 c. catsup
- 1 tsp. dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 1/4 c. vinegar
Baking Instructions
- Cook at 350° for 1 3/4 hours in a 2-quart casserole.
Calorie: 350
Total cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Bacon Drippings Beginnings
There I was, standing in the kitchen, armed with my apron and a sense of delicious anticipation. I had 4 Tbsp. of bacon drippings in a jar, the glorious outcome from last night’s bacon feast, and I knew it was time to put them to good use. Bacon drippings are like the secret weapon in a culinary arsenal, right? You thought it was just the delicious aftermath of a bacon frenzy, but oh no my friends, it’s the start of something beautiful!
Garlic Salt and Onions, the Dynamic Duo
Next in line were 3 Tbsp. of garlic salt and 3 medium onions, sliced and ready for action. Now, slicing onions is not for the faint-hearted. It’s like watching the saddest movie ever made, but without any popcorn. I’ve been known to give a standing ovation to my onions, tears streaming down my face, just to confuse my neighbors.
The Bean Brigade
Then came the beans. A large can of pork and beans, a regular can of red kidney beans, and a can of small green lima beans. As I popped open the cans, I swear I heard a tiny trumpet fanfare. Or maybe it was just my stomach growling.
The Saucy Catsup Conundrum
Next up, we had a bit of a mystery ingredient – 1/2 c. of catsup. Now, catsup, ketchup, it’s all the same, right? Wrong! It’s a foodie debate as old as time. Today, we’re team catsup, and it’s about to make a saucy splash in our casserole.
The Spicy Mustard Mustering
Then we had 1 tsp. of dry mustard, 1/2 tsp. of black pepper, and 1 tsp. of salt. The dry mustard and black pepper, what a pair! They’re like the spice world’s version of Batman and Robin. And let’s not forget salt; it’s like the friend who always shows up, even when you forget to invite them.
The Sweet Sugar Spin
Now, this is where things get interesting, folks. We have 1/2 c. of brown sugar and 1/4 c. of vinegar. The sweet and sour combo that keeps you coming back for more. The brown sugar is like that sweet compliment you weren’t expecting, and the vinegar, well, it’s the zing that keeps things interesting.
The Baking Bout
The stage was set. All the ingredients were in the 2-quart casserole, looking a little nervous, if you ask me. It was now time to pop them in the oven at 350° for 1 3/4 hours. As I closed the oven door, I whispered a few words of encouragement. Yes, I talk to my food. No, it doesn’t talk back. Not yet, anyway.
The Grand Unveiling
When the timer finally dinged, the moment of truth had arrived. Would it be a masterpiece or a mess? As I pulled the casserole out of the oven, I was greeted with a sight that could only be described as heavenly. The aroma was intoxicating, the bubbling concoction inside the casserole dish was a sight to behold. It was a triumph, a victory, a bean-filled wonder!
So there you have it, folks. My hilarious and surprisingly successful journey of making a baked bean casserole. And remember, cooking is like life. It’s all about the right ingredients, a little bit of heat, and a whole lot of love.
