Best Bean Casserole
A hearty bean casserole with smoky bacon, sweet onions, and tangy ketchup-vinegar sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the butter beans and red kidney beans.
- Partially fry the bacon until crisp, then remove from the pan.
- Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the pan.
- Sauté sliced onions until tender, then add catsup, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic salt, and dry mustard. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine the sauce with the drained beans and cooked bacon.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in a 350°F oven, covered, for 50 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or a combination of beans like black beans or pinto beans. You can also substitute maple syrup for brown sugar for a unique twist. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of the fat. Always taste the sauce before combining it with the beans to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
This bean casserole pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled meats or BBQ dishes. Consider offering a topping bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for guests to customize their servings. It also complements well with dishes like Ham Loaf Or Ham Rolls for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a quicker option. To maintain moisture, add a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Bean Casserole contains roughly 826 calories, with 17g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 871mg per serving (38% 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 dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. For this recipe, use about 2 cups of cooked beans to replace the canned ones. Ensure they are tender before mixing them with the sauce.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is versatile; it pairs well with a green salad, coleslaw, or even garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or pork, as the flavors complement each other beautifully.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).