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Jumbo Baked Beans

If you need a warm and comforting meal, Jumbo Baked Beans will hit the spot, any night of the week – and the leftovers will make a yummy breakfast or lunch, too! This hearty recipe packs a flavorful punch, and serves the whole family.

With its rich tomato sauce and hearty beans, this dish is both comforting and nutritious. If you’ve never tried this southern classic made with lima beans, I wholeheartedly suggest you give it a try.

I’m always a fan of comfort food! If this Jumbo Baked Beans recipe sounds yummy, you’ll probably love my recipe for Sweet and Sour Meatballs, and my Cream of Mushroom Soup.

Why You’ll Love Jumbo Baked Beans

Growing up, I never thought beans were very special, but now, I absolutely love a big, hot pot of beans. Here’s why this recipe is so perfect:

• These beans are a great source of protein and fiber, so they keep you full.
• They’re nutritious.
• They’re easy to make and can be customized with different spices and seasonings.
• The flavor of your beans can always be tailored to your specific tastes.
• These beans don’t take hours to make – in fact, they’re ready in less than 20 minutes.

What are butter beans?

If you’re not from Southern USA, you may have never heard the term, ‘butter beans.’ What are they? They’re a term for a can of lima beans; large, creamy-white beans that are native to South America.

Butter beans, or lima beans, have a buttery texture and a slightly sweet flavor. They’re commonly used in soup and casseroles. They’re high in vitamins and minerals, including iron, and contain a good amount of potassium and folate. They’re also a significant source of fiber and protein.

Butter beans can be found in your supermarket in bags (dried), or in cans (in liquid).

Helpful Equipment To Make Homemade Baked Beans

Here’s what you’ll need to make giant baked beans in tomato sauce!

• Cooking pan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Jumbo Baked Beans Ingredients

• 2 x 400 gram cans of butter beans
• 1 x 690 gram jar of Tomato Puree or Passata + 100 grams of water to rinse out the jar
• 2 ½ tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 ½ teaspoons of balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon of brown sugar
• A pinch of salt and pepper

How To Make the Best Jumbo Baked Beans

To make these delicious homemade baked beans, place a medium stockpot over medium heat and give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Drain your lima beans and pour them into the pot along with your tomato puree. Add a bit of water to the tomato puree jar and replace the lid. Give it a good shake and empty the content of the jar into the pot. Stir everything together.

Add in the Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, paprika, onion and garlic powder, brown sugar, mustard powder, and salt and pepper. Stir everything well until it’s all mixed together.

Turn the heat to low. Cover and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the pan. When it’s thick and hot through, serve with a poached egg or on a toasted english muffin.

Prep Time

This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prep.

What do I Serve with Jumbo Baked Beans?

These classic baked beans have plenty of flavor and can be served alongside all kinds of other foods. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic toast
• Toasted hamburger buns
• Burgers
• Mashed potatoes
• Rice
• French fries
• BBQ meats like sausages and shish kebabs
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Roasted or grilled veggies

Ingredient Substitutions

This is a fairly forgiving recipe, so if you’re missing a few ingredients, you can probably substitute with something else. Here are a few ideas:

Lima Beans / Butter Beans – You can substitute with white kidney beans or navy beans.

Tomato Puree – Tomato sauce (NOT pasta sauce) or crushed tomatoes will work in this recipe.

Worcestershire – You can use soy sauce instead. If you have some A1 or HP steak sauce on hand, you can add a bit of this to replace the bite in the Worcestershire.

Balsamic Vinegar – You can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in this recipe.

Tips & Tricks and Recipe Notes

• For a rich flavor, add a touch or red wine (about ⅛ cup) or some tomato paste to your sauce.
• This recipe can easily be made spicy with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• A bit of beef broth can thin out your sauce if needed, and give a bit of extra flavor.
• If you want these to complement barbecued foods, you can add a touch of liquid smoke to the sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Make sure to use onion/garlic powder, not onion/garlic salt. This will make your sauce far too salty-tasting. If you don’t have powder, use fresh onion and fresh garlic instead.

How to Store Jumbo Baked Beans

This recipe stores well in the fridge in a covered container for 4 days. You can also freeze the recipe. Fully cook everything, then allow it to cool to room temperature before placing in the freezer in airtight containers. Store for up to 3-4 months.

To reheat – If your beans are frozen, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, put them in a pan over medium heat and stir constantly until hot throughout. You may need to add a touch of water or broth. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts until hot, stirring between each burst.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried beans. However, they’ll need to be soaked and cooked beforehand. Use the directions on the package of beans for soaking and cooking, then use them in place of the canned beans in the recipe.

Are gigante beans the same as butter beans?

They are not the exact same bean, however, gigante beans are often confused or replaced with lima beans, and they can be interchanged in this recipe.

Why are my beans bitter?

If you overcook your beans, they tend to lose their sweetness and become bitter instead. So, you want to make sure you don’t cook them for too long.

Conclusion

For a comforting and satisfying meal or side dish, look no further than this Jumbo Baked Beans recipe. Nutritious and delicious, and ready in just 20 minutes, these are delicious served over toast! Serve your family or serve a crowd with these perfect homemade baked beans!

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