Beefed Up Beans
Hearty beefed-up beans featuring savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and bold seasonings, perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal for family or guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the pork and beans in tomato sauce, 1/2 cup water, catsup, prepared mustard, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the frozen ground beef mixture to the saucepan.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve in bowls with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some onions and garlic before adding the other ingredients. If you don't have pork and beans, any canned beans in tomato sauce will work. You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. Adjust the spices to your taste for a bolder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beefed up beans in bowls with a side of your favorite crackers for a crunchy contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider topping it with shredded cheese or diced jalapeños.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beefed Up Beans contains roughly 94 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2517mg per serving (109% 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 fresh ground beef instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ground beef. Just brown it in the saucepan before adding the other ingredients. This will add depth to the flavor and ensure even cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or simply omit it altogether. Adding extra beans or lentils can help maintain the heartiness of the dish.
What can I serve with beefed up beans?
This dish pairs well with cornbread, rice, or even a fresh garden salad. You could also serve it alongside other comfort food classics like Brown Hamburger Stew for a cozy meal.
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).