Bean Pot For A Crowd
A hearty bean pot casserole combining ground beef, mixed beans, and savory tomato flavors, perfect for feeding a crowd with rich, comforting taste and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 cup celery ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can green beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz) can wax beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 can cream of tomato soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz) can lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans, undrained ⓘ
- 2 tbsp prepared mustard
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Drain off the fat.
- Add chopped onions and celery to the beef and cook until tender.
- Stir in undiluted cream of tomato soup, tomato paste, and ketchup; simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Spoon the mixture into a large kettle or roasting pan.
- Add the drained green beans, wax beans, lima beans, and chili beans (undrained).
- Stir well to combine.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices such as cumin or smoked paprika. If you're out of green beans, you can substitute with frozen mixed vegetables. For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with lentils and use vegetable broth instead of soup. This dish is versatile and can adapt to what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bean Pot For A Crowd with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad pairs well to balance the hearty flavors. For an extra indulgence, top with shredded cheese or serve alongside Cheesy Beef Sandwiches for a filling meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean Pot For A Crowd contains roughly 691 calories, with 21g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1079mg per serving (47% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Bean Pot For A Crowd in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you're looking for alternatives to ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a meatless version, lentils or a combination of beans like black beans and pinto beans work well. Just adjust cooking times to ensure everything is properly cooked.
Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers of the Bean Pot For A Crowd! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it on the stove or in the oven.
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).