4 Bean Dish
A hearty, flavorful bean casserole combining pork, butter, red, and lima beans with savory bacon and beef, baked with a sweet and tangy sauce for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (2 1/2 size) can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) can butter beans ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) can red beans ⓘ
- 1 small can green lima beans ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bacon, diced fine
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup onions, diced, fried, drained well and added to beans ⓘ
- 1 cup catsup ⓘ
- 2/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a baking dish.
- Bake for 40 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using smoked bacon or adding a bit of barbecue sauce to the mix. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different bean varieties, such as pinto or navy beans, to customize the dish to your taste. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit your family's preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the 4 Bean Dish as a hearty main course at your next gathering or alongside cornbread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Party Sloppy Joes for a fun, casual dinner. Consider adding a simple green salad or coleslaw on the side for a refreshing contrast. This dish can also be served at potlucks or family reunions, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 4 Bean Dish contains roughly 1086 calories, with 14g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1841mg per serving (80% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it at 350°F for about 40 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an easy meal on busy days.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
If you're looking for a substitute for ground beef, consider using turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, you can use plant-based crumbles or cooked quinoa for a vegetarian twist. This way, you can cater to different dietary preferences while still enjoying the hearty flavors of the dish.
Can I freeze the 4 Bean Dish?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
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).