5 Bean Dish
A hearty, sweet and savory bean dish with bacon and onions, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crispy; drain excess fat and crumble the bacon.
- Drain five cans of beans and add them to the crock-pot.
- Mix brown sugar, sugar, and ketchup together and pour into the crock-pot.
- Add crumbled bacon and chopped onions to the mixture.
- Stir everything together and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly healthier version, consider using turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika to add depth of flavor. Feel free to mix different types of beans based on your preference or what's available; black beans or navy beans work well too. This dish also pairs nicely with American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the 5 Bean Dish warm as a hearty main dish or as a side to grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Edna'S Rhinelander Green Beans for a balanced meal. Consider offering cornbread on the side for a comforting touch, or a simple green salad to add freshness. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover 5 Bean Dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 5 Bean Dish contains roughly 1179 calories, with 7g protein, 281g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), and iron (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 637mg per serving (28% 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 dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the crock-pot. This may increase your prep time, but it allows for a more authentic flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make the dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to impart a similar flavor. You can also enhance the dish with additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
If you find the dish too sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or sugar by half. Alternatively, adding a splash of vinegar or mustard can help balance the sweetness, making the flavor more savory.
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).