Banquet Beans
A hearty baked bean dish with bacon, kielbasa, and a sweet-tangy sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the onion and bacon until the onion is transparent.
- Add ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard; cook for 3 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Add the pork and beans, lima beans, red kidney beans, and sliced kielbasa; mix together.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon and kielbasa with smoked tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of water. Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar or using maple syrup. For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with My Own Southern Style Buttermilk Cornbread for a comforting meal. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or coleslaw to balance the flavors. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, as it can easily be doubled to feed a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. This dish also freezes well; just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banquet Beans contains roughly 698 calories, with 9g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 468mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, using canned beans is a great time-saver! Just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the casserole to reduce sodium content. This will also help maintain the texture of the dish.
What if I don't have kielbasa?
If kielbasa isn't available, any smoked sausage can work well. Alternatively, for a lighter option, try turkey sausage or omit the meat for a vegetarian dish while adding more beans or vegetables for substance.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare it a day in advance by following the recipe up to the baking step. Cover the casserole dish and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).