Baked Bean Trio
A hearty baked bean trio featuring savory bacon, melty cheddar, and sweet brown sugar, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute bacon and chopped onion until the bacon is crisp.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients: pork and beans, lima beans, kidney beans, cubed cheddar cheese, catsup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Spoon the mixture into a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to enhance the flavor. If you're out of bacon, turkey bacon or even diced ham can be used as a substitute. You can also swap the sharp Cheddar for a milder cheese if preferred. To lighten the dish, try using low-sugar ketchup and reduce the brown sugar by half.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Baked Bean Trio hot as a hearty side dish at your next barbecue or potluck. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as chicken or pork, and is a great complement to cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Rosie'S Corn Chowder for a delicious combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the beans in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Bean Trio contains roughly 1257 calories, with 28g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1196mg per serving (52% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. You might want to add extra spices or smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor that bacon usually provides.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the amount of brown sugar to 1/2 cup or use a sugar substitute. Alternatively, you can add a splash of vinegar to enhance the tanginess, balancing out the sweetness from the ketchup and sugar.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bean mixture the day before and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just transfer it to the casserole dish and follow the baking instructions. This can save you time on the day of serving.
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).