Bean Goulash

Prep: 15 min Cook: 90 min Cuisine: American

Hearty and flavorful bean goulash combines bacon, hamburger, and beans in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. bacon
  • 1 lb. hamburger
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup catsup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
  • 1 can lima beans
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 can pork and beans

Instructions

  1. Brown bacon, hamburger, and onion in a skillet.
  2. Drain excess grease off.
  3. Mix together catsup, brown sugar, salt, vinegar, mustard, lima beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans.
  4. Stir in the meat mixture.
  5. Bake in a covered casserole at 300°F (150°C) for 1 1/2 hours (also suitable in a crock-pot).

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a pinch of smoked paprika. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon and hamburger with sautéed mushrooms and lentils. You can also adjust the sweetness by altering the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste. To enhance the dish, try a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Bean Goulash with a side of crusty bread or over rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. A light salad, like Crunchy Peas Salad, complements the hearty dish well. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple dessert such as brownies or fruit for a satisfying finish.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the goulash becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bean Goulash contains roughly 918 calories, with 39g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), protein (78% of the Daily Value), and iron (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2799mg per serving (122% of the Daily Value).

918 kcal 46% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 39g 78% DV
Total Fat 28.5g 37% DV
Carbs 128.4g 47% DV
Fiber 23.5g 84% DV
Sugar 38.1g 76% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2799.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 1715.4mg 36% DV
Cholesterol 50.9mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 4mg 4% DV
Calcium 260.2mg 20% DV
Iron 9.9mg 55% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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 use different types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite beans. Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas can work well. Just ensure the total amount remains similar to maintain the texture and flavor balance.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Yes! To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Definitely! You can make the goulash a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove or in the oven before serving. This can actually enhance the flavors as they have more time to meld together.

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).

American recipes → Pork recipes → All recipes →