Baked Butter Beans Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 13 ounces fully cooked smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup steak sauce, such as Heinz 57
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 4 (18-ounce) cans butter beans, drained

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).
2. Place sausage, bell pepper, and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until the sausage is browned, about 5 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, steak sauce, liquid smoke, ground mustard, and celery seed.
4. Add the sausage mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
5. Add the drained butter beans and gently stir until everything is evenly combined.
6. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and cover it.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1/8 of the recipe)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	470	-
Total Fat	14g	18%
Saturated Fat	5g	23%
Cholesterol	28mg	9%
Sodium	709mg	31%
Total Carbohydrate	62g	23%
Dietary Fiber	18g	66%
Total Sugars	13g	-
Protein	26g	52%
Vitamin C	12mg	14%
Calcium	59mg	5%
Iron	7mg	38%
Potassium	1633mg	35%

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

The Story Behind Baked Butter Beans

Baked butter beans, a comforting dish beloved in many American households, trace their roots to early Southern cuisine. Originally, these beans were slow-cooked with simple ingredients such as salt pork, molasses, and spices, creating a hearty and nutritious staple. The use of butter beans, also known as lima beans, became popular due to their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors, making them ideal for baked dishes. Over the centuries, the recipe has evolved to include modern ingredients like smoked sausage, ketchup, and steak sauce, adding layers of richness and tang.

Regional Variations

While baked butter beans are enjoyed throughout the United States, there are notable regional twists. In the Southern states, recipes often include smoked meats such as ham hocks or bacon, giving the beans a deeply savory flavor. In contrast, Northeastern versions may use sweeter elements like brown sugar or maple syrup. Some Midwestern families favor adding green peppers and onions for extra texture and aroma, while West Coast variations might incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresher note. Each regions version reflects local ingredients and culinary traditions, making this dish uniquely adaptable.

How Baked Butter Beans Differ From Similar Dishes

Baked butter beans may resemble traditional baked beans, yet there are distinct differences. Classic baked beans usually feature navy or kidney beans with a sweet molasses or brown sugar base. Butter beans, by contrast, have a creamier, larger bean that absorbs sauces differently, creating a softer texture. The inclusion of steak sauce, liquid smoke, and celery seed in some recipes provides a more savory, slightly tangy flavor profile compared to the straightforward sweetness of typical baked beans. This combination sets baked butter beans apart as both hearty and subtly complex.

Typical Serving Occasions

Baked butter beans are most commonly served as a side dish during family dinners, barbecues, and holiday gatherings. They pair perfectly with roasted meats, grilled sausages, or fried chicken. In Southern cuisine, they are often accompanied by cornbread, collard greens, and pickled vegetables, making them an essential element of traditional comfort food spreads. Their versatility also allows them to be served in casual weekday meals or more elaborate festive occasions.

Interesting Facts About Baked Butter Beans

• Butter beans are named for their rich, buttery texture rather than the addition of butter.
• Despite being a humble legume, they are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious meat substitute in vegetarian versions of the dish.
• Liquid smoke, commonly used in baked butter beans recipes, was first developed in the early 20th century as a way to impart smoked flavors without traditional smoking methods.
• The combination of ketchup and steak sauce creates a unique sweet-savory balance that is not commonly found in traditional baked bean recipes.
• Baked butter beans have become popular in modern meal prep, as they can be made in advance and stored, gaining flavor over time.

FAQ about Baked Butter Beans Recipe

Comments