Try this twist on a classic in which cooked rice, bacon, onion and beans are spread in a steamtable pan, topped with a rich, sweet sauce before being baked until thick and rich.
1. In a large mixing bowl combine rice and beans and toss to mix; hold.
canned pinto or kidney beans, drained
2 qt.
cooked diced bacon, drained
2 c.
chopped onion
2 qt.
2. In large, deep skillet cook bacon until half done; remove from skillet and drain well. Hold. Pour off all but 1/4 cup bacon drippings and add onion and saute over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer.
catsup
3 c.
brown sugar
1/2 c.
prepared mustard
1-1/2 tbsp.
liquid smoke
1 tbsp.
salt
1 tbsp.
ground black pepper
2 tsp.
minced parsley
1/4 c.
3. Pour over rice-bean mixture and toss to coat completely. Pour mixture into a greased full-size shallow steamtable pan. Arrange bacon on top of mixture and bake, uncovered, in 350F. oven for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly and heated through. Remove from heat. Let stand 10 minutes before sprinkling top with minced parsley and serving.