1 Meal Dish
A hearty and smoky bean and beef casserole with bacon and onions, perfect for comforting gatherings and family dinners with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain the fat.
- Put the browned beef in a crock-pot.
- Brown the bacon pieces and cook with the chopped onions.
- Drain off excess fat from the bacon and onions.
- Add all ingredients to the crock-pot and stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 9 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or using a different type of liquid smoke. If ground beef isn't available, ground turkey or chicken can serve as a leaner alternative. You can also swap kidney beans with black beans for a different taste. Adjust the brown sugar to your preference for sweetness. This dish is perfect for those looking for hearty American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with chopped green onions or shredded cheese for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside mashed potatoes or rice. This comfort food is perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This makes for a quick and satisfying meal on busy days.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 1 Meal Dish contains roughly 705 calories, with 10g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 789mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beans with your favorites such as black beans or pinto beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse them beforehand. Mixing different beans can add a variety of textures and flavors to the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and bacon. Use plant-based meat alternatives and enhance the flavor with additional spices and sautéed vegetables. The beans will provide protein, making it a hearty meal.
What can I do if the dish is too sweet?
If you find the dish too sweet, you can balance it out by adding a splash more vinegar or a pinch of salt. Adjusting the acidity can help cut through the sweetness. You might also add more beans or tomatoes to dilute the sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).