
You know that saying, “They just don’t make ‘em like they used to?” I’m quite certain the person who coined it was talking about cookware. When my husband and I got married, we registered for a cookware set. After years of mismatched pots and pans, I was excited to get a matching set–a set that would last forever! And then, a few years later, finishes started wearing off and handles started loosening and that pricey set of pots that I figured would last decades was in need of replacement.

Rather than getting another semi-disposable set of cookware, we made the decision to buy investment pieces–we began replacing our pots and pans one-by-one with Le Creuset cookware. Le Creuset is a brand that does still make ‘em like they used to–the same way they started making their products, back in 1925. And while Le Creuset is most certainly pricier than other brands, the difference is that Le Creuset is built to last a lifetime. It’s the type of cookware you pass down to your children; the cookware that becomes a family tradition.
It’s fitting, then, that Le Creuset has come out with a line of products called The Heritage Collection. I was sent a Heritage Bean Pot from this collection to try out in my kitchen. The stoneware bean pot is a modern recreation of a Le Creuset design from the 1930s. Like all Le Creuset products, it comes in a variety of beautiful colors and it’s oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe.

Although the bean pot is the perfect vessel for cooking soups and stews, I decided to see if it lived up to its name and test it on beans–Stout Baked Beans. The Le Creuset Heritage Bean Pot is ideal for making authentic baked beans (because if you make them on the stove, they are not baked!). Its round body ensures that heat is circulated evenly, while the narrow neck minimizes evaporation. Adding stout to these baked beans gives them a deep, rich flavor–rustic, just like the bean pot they were baked in.
![Stout Baked Beans [from top] Stout Baked Beans [from top]](http://ohmyveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/stout_baked_beans_top.jpg)
To find out more about Le Creuset, visit lecreuset.com, follow Le Creuset on Twitter or Like Le Creuset on Facebook.
Be sure to head over to my Facebook page, where I’m giving away a Le Creuset Heritage Bean Pot this week!
A rustic baked beans recipe that's perfect for making in the Le Creuset Heritage Bean Pot.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 medium sweet onion (like Vidalia), diced
- 12 oz. stout beer
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 3/4 c. molasses
- 1/4 c. brown sugar
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp. mustard powder
- 3-29 oz. cans navy beans, rinsed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients except beans and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat, or until sauce has thickened. Remove from heat.
- Combine sauce and beans in bean pot (or covered casserole dish). Cover and bake in oven for one hour, or until beans have reached desired consistency.
Disclaimer: I received a Heritage Bean Pot from Le Creuset to facilitate this review, but all opinions are my own.
































You’re right they don’t make them like they used to. I spent $600 on a well known set and 3 years later, it was looking like they went through the wringer. I was going to try Sur La Table’s next since they get great reviews. If those don’t pan out (HA! Wah wahhhh!) then I’ll start adding Le Creuset’s to my wish list.
Yup, our set was a good brand too–I was so disappointed. But I’ve been really happy with Le Creuset. Not only does it last, but it makes me feel happy when I cook with it. I guess it’s the colors?
We have an outlet near us, so I get most of my pieces there. They have some amazing deals, so I’d check to see if there’s one near you!
I like the pot but why on earth would anyone make beans when “Bush Beans” are unbeatable?
My mother (rest her soul) made beans for years and years. They where good.
She came to visit me several years back and I served Bush Beans (I did doctor them up before baking). She said: “I will never make beans again, I couldn’t beat theses”
She never made them again.
Well, these are a little bit different than Bush’s because they’re made with beer. You can make canned baked beans in this pot too, though.
I dream of buying Le Creuset pots, too. They are just so beautiful. At the moment I make do with what I have, but if I ever have some money to spare, that’s what I’ll get.
Yup, that’s why I buy mine one at a time, usually when I find a sale. They are pricey, but worth it!
I have got to make it to the outlet one day. I’d love to start a collection. I absolutely LOVE baked beans, and this sounds deeeeeelicious. I’ve never had stout in them before.
You do! I think there are 2 or 3 around here? And when you go, you need to get on their mailing list because they have some insane deals. The weekend cashier there knows me now–ha.
What a special stewed bean recipe! Love your Le Creuset pot and bowl!
The bowls actually aren’t Le Creuset, but they do look like they could be, right?
I agree I would love to start a collection of these.
They are fantastic! And you can get some really great deals on them at their outlet store too.
My brother gave my hubby and I a bright red Le Creuset casserole pot for our engagement. We absolutely love it! I love the colour of your green bean pot. I want one!
It took me so much time to choose a color! I love the red too.
Le Creuset is my favorite brand of all time. Similar to you and your husband, we are buying piece by piece and I am getting gifted pieces also. I absolutely love the pot and the casserole I have been cooking with.
The beans look scrumptious!
Le Creuset is one of my favorite brands too–I get so excited whenever I go to a store with a Le Creuset display. And the upside of collecting them piece by piece is that you can get all different colors! Okay, maybe some people wouldn’t see that as an upside, but I do.
I know exactly what you mean! It’s well worth the money to buy quality. I’m ever so slowly trying to build up my kitchen with a few quality items, but it takes a lot of time! I love baked beans from scratch – the flavor of these sounds awesome!
Yes, it does take time! But at least it gives me something to look forward to. It wouldn’t be very fun if I had everything I needed and never had a reason to go shopping for kitchen stuff.
I really would like to buy my first piece of Le Creuset soon. I don’t mind spending the money on something of quality that will last a long time. And something in a fun colour!
These baked beans look fantastic! My boyfriend would love them. We have some good stout in the fridge right now I could use. Yum!
Yeah, as I’ve gotten older I’ve come to realize that sometimes cheaper ends up being more expensive in the long-run. I think over time, you end up spending less with a brand like Le Creuset.
I love their dishes. SO worth the cost!
They really are! I can’t wait to replace the rest of my pots and pans.
I didn’t even know they made specific bean pots! And this one is beautiful – one day I look forward to buying pots like this!
I didn’t either! Of course, it can be used for other things too.
I think it will come in handy for winter stews!
Beautiful pot and love the recipe.
My husband always gets lots of compliments on his beans recipe (AKA a can of Bush’s with extras) but this is something he needs to try. He loves cooking (and drinking) beer. I love the pot too – what a great addition to any kitchen!
Well, he could always throw some beer into his usual recipe.
I think any beer would work, but I like stout because it has such a rich flavor.
i love beans!! These look delish!
I saw this giveaway on your FB page a few days ago, and had to enter immediately! I love Le Creuset, and I have their braiser, a small oval dutch oven, and some baking dishes. No houseguests, including relatives, are allowed to handle any of them. People just take metal to cookware and abuse it, y’know?
The beans look great too, and the stout sounds like a fantastic flavor enhancer.
Thanks for entering the giveaway! My husband has a habit of breaking dishes & glasses, so I get a little bit nervous when he’s around my Le Creuset.
The price is SO worth it when it actually lasts! We’re at that place right now with our cookware where the finish is peeling & we’re going to have to replace them soon- we may do the one-by-one thing you did, that way it’s not quite so painful to pay all at once, but I am definitely thinking of getting Le Creuset!
I highly recommend Le Creuset–I am so happy with mine! And yes, it’s much less painful buying it one-by-one.
I keep wanting to buy some Le Creuset pieces and then the money just goes elsewhere. Those beans look awesome, and I love the color of the bean pot!
The colors are half the fun of getting Le Creuset!
I think I might be the first comment, that actually made this recipe. Everyone found the stout flavor super strong, almost bitter. Had to add a lot of brown sugar to make it palatable. You may want to re-check your quantities listed in the recipe.
I’m sorry the recipe didn’t turn out for you! I test all of my recipes 2-3 times before posting them and although there is a little bit bitterness from the beer, it shouldn’t be so much that it’s inedible or needs additional sugar added…
No problem, after I added a lot more sugar (like a cup) they turned out great. Although the first group didn’t like them, the second group I served them to (back-to-back parties) loved them. Even with all that sugar they still had the stout flavor.
Well, as soon as I get the chance (probably after the holidays–things are crazy right now!), I’m going to make this again. I’m glad that adding sugar helped with the second round, but I really am sorry that it didn’t work out the first time.