3 Bean

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Hearty 3 Bean casserole combines beans, sausage, and Spam with sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for family gatherings or comfort food lovers seeking a filling, savory dish.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (10 oz.) can lima beans
  • 3 (16 oz.) cans kidney beans
  • 3 (16 oz.) cans pork and beans
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 16 oz. tomato sauce
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 1/2 lb. link sausage
  • 1 (12 oz.) can Spam
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Boil sausage for 8 minutes; remove and slice.
  2. Brown the sausage slices in a frying pan.
  3. Combine all ingredients in a crock-pot or oven.
  4. Cook for 2 to 3 hours at 300°F, or 1 hour at 375°F if in a hurry.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, consider adding bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture. You can substitute the sausage with turkey sausage or omit it for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Make sure to drain the canned beans to reduce excess liquid.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty 3 Bean dish with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness. For a fun twist, try it alongside a slice of Zucchini Meat Dish(By Brenda Ross) for a complete family meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 3 Bean contains roughly 594 calories, with 21g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (159% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1410mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).

594 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21g 42% DV
Total Fat 23.7g 30% DV
Carbs 78.2g 28% DV
Fiber 22.1g 79% DV
Sugar 14.3g 29% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1410.3mg 61% DV
Potassium 1482.1mg 32% DV
Cholesterol 17.2mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 30.4mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 143.2mg 100% DV
Calcium 123.3mg 9% DV
Iron 6.3mg 35% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 fresh beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand for proper texture and flavor. Canned beans are convenient and save time, but fresh beans can add a nice touch if you have the time to prepare them.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and Spam. You can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, and using vegetable broth instead of any meat-based products.

What can I do if the dish is too sweet?

If the dish turns out too sweet due to the brown sugar, you can balance it by adding a bit of acidity. A splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can help cut through the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

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).

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