3 Bean Dish
A hearty and flavorful three-bean dish featuring bacon, ground beef, and a rich blend of beans and seasonings. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it combines smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, offering a comforting meal that satisfies a crowd with its savory depth and hearty texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the bacon, hamburger, and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Drain the cans of pork and beans, and add them to a crock-pot.
- Add the cooked bacon, hamburger, and onion to the crock-pot.
- Add the remaining ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, liquid smoke, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything well and cook on low for 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon and hamburger with smoked tempeh and lentils. Adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the umami taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different beans or even add bell peppers for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This 3 Bean Dish is hearty enough to serve as a main course, but it also pairs well with cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Consider adding a side of Pennsylvania Dutch Salad to balance the richness. It’s great for potlucks and gatherings, as it can easily be doubled for larger crowds.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 3 Bean Dish contains roughly 1041 calories, with 17g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (92% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 461mg per serving (20% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in a slow cooker before serving. This makes it a convenient option for busy days or entertaining.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or cornbread. You can also serve it alongside a refreshing salad, like a Spinach Rolls, to complement the hearty flavors. For a complete meal, consider offering some roasted vegetables on the side.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, feel free to mix and match beans according to your preference. Black beans or pinto beans can be great substitutes for the kidney or butter beans. Just be sure to use canned beans that are already cooked to keep the cooking time the same.
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).