All Bean Casserole
A hearty all-bean casserole with smoky bacon, sweet onions, and tangy vinegar, perfect for family gatherings or comfort food enthusiasts seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. bacon, fried and diced ⓘ
- 8 to 10 small onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3/4 to 1 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 can lima beans ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 can yellow wax beans
- 1 can green beans ⓘ
- 1 can Great Northern beans ⓘ
- 1 can black-eyed peas ⓘ
Instructions
- Put onions, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and garlic powder in a crock-pot and heat until sugar melts.
- Add the cooked bacon and all the beans to the crock-pot.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 hours, then reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some diced bell peppers for extra crunch. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or a plant-based bacon alternative. Adjust the vinegar level based on your taste preference; a bit more can add a nice tangy kick. For a more hearty dish, try adding some diced cooked sausage.
Serving Suggestions
This All Bean Casserole is perfect as a main dish or a hearty side. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Consider serving it alongside Mom'S Green Beans for a complete meal. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving. It also makes a fantastic potluck dish that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. The flavors will continue to develop, making the leftovers even more delicious the next day. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of All Bean Casserole contains roughly 685 calories, with 35g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and iron (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1645mg per serving (72% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients in the crock-pot, cover, and refrigerate until you're ready to cook. Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
What can I substitute for the beans?
If you don't have some of the bean varieties on hand, feel free to mix and match with your favorites. You could use black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor profile. Just keep the total amount of beans similar for the best texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this All Bean Casserole is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. However, always check the labels of canned beans and other ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free, especially if you have a severe allergy.
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).