Beef 'N Bean Pot
A hearty baked bean casserole with savory beef and bacon, sweet and tangy sauces, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
- 1/3 cup white sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 can butterbeans or cooked limas ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and bacon together in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground chuck instead of regular ground beef. You can substitute turkey bacon for a healthier option or use smoked sausage for a different twist. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the meats with sautéed mushrooms and add extra beans. Adjust the sugar levels to taste if you prefer a less sweet dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Beef 'N Bean Pot with a side of cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Tangy Barbecued Pork Chops for a barbecue-themed dinner. A simple green salad or coleslaw can also complement the richness of the dish, adding a refreshing crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef 'N Bean Pot contains roughly 388 calories, with 20g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1904mg per serving (83% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the Beef 'N Bean Pot a day in advance. After browning the meat and mixing in the other ingredients, cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, just bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What kind of beans can I use?
You can use various types of beans based on your preference. While the recipe calls for red kidney beans, pork and beans, and butterbeans, feel free to substitute with black beans or pinto beans. Just ensure that the total amount remains similar for the right consistency.
Can I freeze the Beef 'N Bean Pot?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
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).