6 Bean Salad
A hearty, flavorful 6 Bean Salad featuring a savory mix of beans, sausage, and barbecue sauce, perfect for family gatherings or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can chili beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can yellow beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can green beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can lima beans ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 8 oz. Kraft original barbecue sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except barbecue sauce in a large bowl.
- Stir to blend the mixture thoroughly.
- Pour barbecue sauce over the bean mixture without stirring.
- Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier version, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can substitute the Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. Make sure to rinse the canned beans to reduce sodium content before mixing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this 6 Bean Salad warm or at room temperature as a hearty side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a filling vegetarian main. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad. This dish is great for meal prep, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the salad in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out; warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 6 Bean Salad contains roughly 2401 calories, with 64g protein, 260g carbohydrates, and 127g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value), protein (129% of the Daily Value), and iron (117% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1140mg per serving (50% 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 bean salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients excluding the barbecue sauce, cover, and refrigerate. On the day you plan to serve it, add the barbecue sauce and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I serve with 6 Bean Salad?
This dish pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, such as chicken or sausages, making it perfect for summer barbecues. You could also enjoy it alongside crusty bread or cornbread. For a lighter option, serve it with a simple green salad to balance the hearty flavors of the beans.
Can I freeze the 6 Bean Salad?
Yes, you can freeze the 6 Bean Salad, but it's best to do so before baking. Place the mixed ingredients in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, add the barbecue sauce, and bake as instructed.
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).