A 3-Bean Bake
A hearty, flavorful three-bean bake featuring ground beef, bacon, and a sweet-tangy sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bacon, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 3 small to medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can pork and beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 tsp. vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, bacon pieces, and chopped onions in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Mix the cooked meat and vegetables with the drained beans, ketchup, sugars, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute the lima beans with black beans for a different taste. Adding a bit of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor from the bacon. If you prefer a spicier kick, include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the 3-Bean Bake hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. For a hearty twist, consider serving it with a side of mashed potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of A 3-Bean Bake contains roughly 979 calories, with 17g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 624mg per serving (27% 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
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat level?
The dish itself is not spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your liking. Consider adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
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).