Teresa's Recipes
Hearty Pinto Bean and Bacon Casserole
Dive into this comforting Hearty Pinto Bean and Bacon Casserole, a dish that offers a warm embrace with every bite. The combination of tender pinto beans, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Enhanced with a rich tomato sauce and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, this casserole is not just a meal—it's a celebration of Southern culinary traditions where beans and bacon have long been cherished staples. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, serve it alongside cornbread for a truly satisfying feast.
Ingredients
- 4 cups, cooked and drained Pinto beans
- 8 slices, chopped Bacon
- 1 medium, diced Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 cup Tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups, shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup, sliced for garnish Green onions
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Main Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 36g
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the rendered bacon grease behind.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the bacon grease. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked pinto beans, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine and heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the bean mixture.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the bean mixture.
- You can substitute the pinto beans for black beans or kidney beans for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a side of cornbread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.