3 Bean Hot Dish

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty and flavorful bean hot dish featuring ground beef, mixed beans, and a sweet tangy sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 (1 lb.) can pork and beans
  • 1 (1 lb.) can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 (1 lb.) can lima beans, drained
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup catsup
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet; pour off drippings.
  2. Add remaining ingredients to the skillet and mix well.
  3. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
  4. Bake in a 350°F oven for 35 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a slightly sweeter flavor, consider using maple syrup instead of brown sugar. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for a plant-based substitute and use canned beans without added meat. You can also add chopped bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition. To enhance the dish, try adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the 3 Bean Hot Dish with a side of cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with rolled cabbage for a comforting dinner. You can also top it with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 3 Bean Hot Dish contains roughly 604 calories, with 16g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 563mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

604 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.9g 32% DV
Total Fat 9.2g 12% DV
Carbs 116.8g 42% DV
Fiber 14.8g 53% DV
Sugar 77g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 563.1mg 24% DV
Potassium 1154.5mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 11.3mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 17mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 6.2mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 157.2mg 12% DV
Iron 6mg 33% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 black beans or pinto beans for the kidney or lima beans. Just ensure you drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content. Mixing different beans can also add a variety of textures and flavors to your hot dish.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, you can include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the mixture. Another option is to top the dish with hot sauce before serving. Adjust the spice level according to your preference to create a kick that complements the sweetness.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the 3 Bean Hot Dish a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven. This helps with even cooking.

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).

American recipes → Beef recipes → Pork recipes → All recipes →