Our old settlers’ beans recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing casserole made with a mouthwatering mix of beans, bacon, ground beef and onions, all baked in a sweet and tangy sauce made from pantry staples. The recipe calls for kidney beans, great northern beans, and a can of pork and beans for lots of color and texture.

It’s easy to tweak old settlers’ baked beans to suit your taste. Add more sweetness, turn up the heat, or swap in canned black beans, butter beans, pinto beans or even lima beans to make it your own. Make this potluck favorite once, and expect to be asked to bring it again and again. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

What are old settlers’ beans?

Old settlers’ beans are a meaty baked bean casserole, similar to calico beans and cowboy beans. The name is a nostalgic nod to early American settlers who relied on filling, rustic one-pot meals with simple ingredients.

Unlike most traditional baked bean recipes that typically feature a single type of bean, this recipe includes a medley of beans, ground beef and bacon baked in a sweet, tangy barbecue-style sauce. The result is a thick, hearty dish that works well as a side or a satisfying main.

Ingredients for Old Settlers’ Beans

• Ground beef: Use 80% lean ground beef for the richest flavor, or opt for leaner ground beef, turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Be sure to brown it well and drain off any excess fat.
• Bacon: For the best texture and even cooking, dice the strips before cooking. You can substitute turkey bacon or leave the bacon out entirely for a lighter dish.
• Onion: Yellow onions add a nice balance of sweetness and savory depth. Red or white onions also work but will lend a sharper bite.
• Sugar: This recipe uses equal parts granulated sugar and brown sugar for a balanced sweetness. For a deeper, molasses-like flavor, use all dark brown sugar. To tone down the sweetness, cut the total sugar amount in half.
• Ketchup: Use your favorite brand of ketchup as the tangy tomato base of the sauce. To control sweetness, look for a ketchup with low or no added sugar.
• Barbecue sauce: Store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce deepens this dish’s sweet, smoky flavors. If you prefer some heat, go with a spicy style sauce.
• Mustard: Any type of prepared mustard works here. Yellow mustard brings classic tang and brightness to the sauce, but you can also use spicy brown for heat or Dijon for sharper flavor.
• Chili powder: This spice blend adds earthy flavor and mild heat that balances the sweetness. Adjust the amount depending on your spice preference.
• Canned beans: A trio of pork and beans, kidney beans and great northern beans provides a satisfying mix of textures. Feel free to swap in other types of canned beans from your pantry, like butter beans, black beans or pinto beans.

Taste of Home