Beans, Beans And More Beans
A hearty bean casserole with savory sausage, sweet brown sugar, and tangy ketchup, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that love bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 pound hamburger ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon butter ⓘ
- 3/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 (12 to 16 oz.) package Smok-Y-Links, sliced ⓘ
- 1 pound can lima or butter beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 pound can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) or prepare slow cooker.
- In a skillet, cook chopped onion and hamburger until browned. Add butter and cook for a few more minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, ketchup, salt, vinegar, dry mustard, and pepper to make the sauce.
- Add cooked meat mixture, sliced Smok-Y-Links, drained lima or butter beans, and drained kidney beans into the bowl. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or slow cooker.
- Bake in the oven for 1 1/2 hours or cook in the slow cooker on low for 8 hours, stirring occasionally if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture. If you're short on time, use canned beans instead of dried ones. You can also substitute ground turkey for the hamburger for a lighter option. Experiment with different bean varieties such as black beans or pinto beans for a unique twist, similar to other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. You can top it with shredded cheese or chopped green onions for extra flavor. For a comforting weeknight dinner, serve alongside a slice of Bacon And Egg Strata or any of your favorite side dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, or reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beans, Beans And More Beans contains roughly 1042 calories, with 8g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1340mg per serving (58% 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 different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile, and you can substitute with any beans you prefer, such as black beans or pinto beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding to the mixture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the hamburger and Smok-Y-Links. Instead, add more beans or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Certainly! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, simply transfer it to a baking dish or slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions as usual.
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).