Bean Stuff
A hearty bean casserole combining ground beef, bacon, and a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings with bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 6 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, mashed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp molasses ⓘ
- 1 tsp dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 large can tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can green lima beans ⓘ
- 2 cans pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 can Great Northern beans ⓘ
- 1 can black-eyed peas ⓘ
- dash salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet.
- Cook the bacon until crispy and cut into pieces.
- Drain the fat from both the beef and bacon.
- Gently mix all ingredients together in a large dish or iron pot.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onion and green pepper before mixing them with the other ingredients. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you're looking for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicier kick, adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce can elevate the dish. Also, feel free to swap in your favorite beans from the pantry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. For a comforting meal, consider serving it alongside Skilletburgers or a side of West Virginia Corn Bake for a true American recipes feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the bean mix in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a lid to retain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean Stuff contains roughly 973 calories, with 38g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (75% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), and iron (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1185mg 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just cover it tightly 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 other beans can I use in this recipe?
You can customize this dish by using any variety of canned beans you have on hand. Great alternatives include pinto beans, black beans, or even chickpeas. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the mix for the best texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and bacon. Instead, use extra beans or lentils for protein, and consider adding some chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture. Adjust the other ingredients accordingly to maintain flavor, and enjoy a hearty vegetarian version!
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).