Bean Hamburger Dish
A hearty bean hamburger dish with smoky bacon, sweet and tangy barbecue flavors, and a savory blend of beans. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it combines rich meats with sweet and spicy elements, making it satisfying and versatile for casual dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1/2 to 1 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup white sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 2 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 can butter beans ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) red kidney beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the chopped bacon and hamburger in a skillet.
- Add chopped onion to the meat and bacon mixture and cook until softened.
- Mix together brown sugar, white sugar, barbecue sauce, mustard, molasses, salt, catsup, and chili powder.
- Drain and rinse the kidney beans; drain the butter beans.
- Add the drained butter beans and pork and beans to the meat mixture.
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly and cook in a crock-pot or roaster until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider substituting smoked paprika for the chili powder. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger for a lighter option. To enhance the sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a spicier dish, incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce. This dish is great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bean hamburger dish with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. It's perfect for casual gatherings or potlucks and pairs beautifully with Individual Ham Loaves. For added freshness, top with chopped green onions or parsley before serving. Enjoy it with tortilla chips for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it appears too thick. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean Hamburger Dish contains roughly 837 calories, with 14g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1996mg per serving (87% 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 use dried beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, you can use dried beans for this recipe. Just be sure to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the dish. This will enhance the flavor and texture. Keep in mind that dried beans require more preparation time compared to canned beans.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the hamburger and bacon with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Additionally, use vegetarian barbecue sauce and ensure your sugar is vegan. This adaptation maintains the rich flavors while catering to a vegetarian diet.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. You can also mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper, depending on your spice preference. Experiment with the level of heat to suit your taste!
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).