Lucky's Baked Beans

Lucky's Baked Beans: A Family Recipe Passed Down Through Generations

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, hearty meals can feel like a Herculean task. But sometimes, the simplest recipes offer the most satisfying rewards. That's the story behind my family's famous Lucky's Baked Beans – a recipe that’s been passed down for years, and a comforting staple at every family gathering. It's a dish that epitomizes the warmth and love we share around the dinner table, a reminder of simpler times and slower evenings.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, adding a kick of chili or a dash of habanero for those who appreciate a little heat. Personally, I love the vibrant flavor that a good sriracha adds. But even without the added spice, the blend of three different beans – pintos, red beans, and black beans – creates a delicious depth of flavor and texture that’s hard to resist. The sweet and smoky combination of brown sugar, corn syrup, and a touch of liquid smoke (optional) complements the savory bacon and tangy tomato juice perfectly. It's a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, leaving you wanting more.

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a connection to my heritage, a tradition I’m eager to share with my own children. The process of making these beans, from soaking the beans to the slow baking in the oven, is a meditative experience. The aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake is intoxicating, a promise of the delicious meal that awaits. It’s a ritual that brings a sense of calm and comfort, a much-needed respite in the midst of a busy day.

I often find myself reminiscing as I stir the beans, remembering family gatherings past, laughter echoing through the kitchen as we prepared this dish together. The memories woven into this recipe are as cherished as the taste itself. It's a dish that nourishes not just the body, but the soul. And that’s why Lucky’s Baked Beans will always hold a special place in my heart and on my dinner table.

Beyond the family aspect, this recipe is incredibly practical. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish; the beans taste even better the next day! You can prepare them in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and then simply reheat them whenever you're ready for a hearty, flavorful meal. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when time is of the essence.

The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, making it an accessible recipe for everyone. And the best part? The cleanup is relatively easy. A quick soak, a bit of simmering and baking, and voila! A delicious, hearty meal is ready to be enjoyed. This recipe is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest meals are the most satisfying. They're a reminder that good food doesn't have to be complicated; it just needs a little love and a whole lot of flavor.

So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on this culinary journey with me. Create your own delicious memories with Lucky’s Baked Beans – a recipe that's as heartwarming as it is delicious. And remember, feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste. That’s the beauty of it; it's a recipe that's as adaptable as it is delicious. Enjoy!

Ingredients needed:

• 2 cups ketchup
• 2 large onions, chopped
• Liquid smoke (optional)
• 3 lbs pintos, red beans (not kidney beans), and black beans each
• 2 lbs bacon
• 1 quart tomato juice
• 2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 2 cups dark corn syrup
• 4 tsp prepared mustard
• 1 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp ginger
• 3 cans diced tomatoes, drained

I hope you enjoy this family recipe as much as we do!

Step-by-step

• SOAK, PREPARE AND COOK BEANS ACCORDING TO BAG
• WHILE BEANS ARE COOKING; CUT BACON INTO BITE-SIZE SQUARES
• FRY TILL LIMP, NOT CRISPY; DRAIN
• COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS (EXCEPT BEANS) IN A LARGE SAUCEPAN OVER LOW HEAT AND MIX WELL.
• WHEN BEANS ARE DONE; DRAIN OFF THE LIQUID
• PUT IN LARGE ROASTER- LAYER OF BEANS, A FEW LADLES-FULL OF THE SAUCE- REPEAT-REPEAT
• BAKE, UNCOVERED, AT 350 FOR 1 1/2 TO 2 HOURS, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY.
• For zippy baked beans SUBSTITUTE IGUANA KETCHUP FOR REGULAR AND ADD 2-4 CHILES, CHOPPED FINE OR ADD 2 TBL CHILI SAUCE OR MORE IF YOU LIKE IT BITEY (I USE SRIRACHA) OR ADD 1 TBL OF YOUR FAVORITE HABANERO PEPPER SAUCE OR ADD FOUR TO SIX CHILES, SEEDED AND FINELY CHOPPED