3 Meat Baked Beans
A hearty baked beans dish featuring ground beef, franks, and bacon, infused with sweet and tangy flavors. Perfect for family gatherings or casual cookouts.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 6 franks, cut into 1 inch pieces ⓘ
- 6 strips bacon ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) pork and beans ⓘ
- 1/4 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. catsup ⓘ
- 1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck, onions, and bell pepper together and drain.
- Brown frankfurters lightly.
- Fry bacon until crisp. Crumble and set aside.
- Mix remaining ingredients together in a bowl.
- Add cooked ground beef, onions, peppers, and franks to the mixture.
- Pour into a casserole dish. Top with bacon crumbs.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a splash of liquid smoke to the mix. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be used instead. You can substitute ground turkey for the ground chuck if you're looking for a leaner option. Experiment with different beans, like kidney or navy beans, to suit your taste. This dish can also benefit from a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the 3 Meat Baked Beans with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. They also pair nicely with grilled meats or as a hearty side for a barbecue. For a cozy brunch, consider serving alongside a dish like Betty'S Sweet And Sour Meatballs. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover 3 Meat Baked Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 3 Meat Baked Beans contains roughly 554 calories, with 9g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (198% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1627mg per serving (71% 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 a different type of bean for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork and beans are traditional, you can experiment with other varieties like kidney beans or cannellini beans. Each type will add a unique flavor and texture to your dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using beans that require more or less cooking.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of 3 Meat Baked Beans, omit the meat and replace it with additional vegetables, like diced zucchini or bell peppers. You can also add vegetarian sausage or tempeh for a meat-like texture. Use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based sauces to enhance the flavor.
What can I do if the beans are too sweet?
If you find that your baked beans are too sweet, you can balance the flavor by adding a splash of vinegar or a teaspoon of mustard. Both ingredients will help cut through the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile. Additionally, adding more savory elements like Worcestershire sauce can help achieve a better balance.
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).