Block Beans
Hearty baked bean casserole combining ground beef, mixed beans, and smoky flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a rich, comforting taste with a sweet and savory profile.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 can cream of tomato soup ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste
- 1/2 c. barbecue sauce (hickory smoked) ⓘ
- 1/2 c. catsup ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can green beans ⓘ
- 1 can lima beans ⓘ
- 1 can yellow wax beans ⓘ
- 1 can chili beans ⓘ
- 1 can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 c. brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef; add chopped onion and celery and cook until tender.
- Add cream of tomato soup, tomato paste, barbecue sauce, and catsup; simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a large roaster and add drained green beans, lima beans, and wax beans.
- Do not drain the chili beans or pork and beans; add them to the beef mixture along with brown sugar and prepared mustard.
- Mix well and bake uncovered at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground chuck instead of regular ground beef. If you're short on time, pre-chopped onions and celery can save you prep time. You can also swap out the beans for your favorites, like black beans or kidney beans. This dish can be adjusted for spice lovers by adding jalapeños or chili powder, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Block Beans with a side of cornbread or over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. A light salad or steamed vegetables can complement this hearty dish well. For gatherings, this recipe pairs beautifully with Meat Roll-Ups, making it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Block Beans contains roughly 398 calories, with 10g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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! While the recipe calls for specific beans, feel free to mix and match according to your preference. Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas can be great substitutes. Just keep in mind that different beans may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or finely chopped mushrooms and lentils for added texture. Replace the cream of tomato soup with a homemade or store-bought vegetarian equivalent to keep it meat-free.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the entire dish a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, simply add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, as it will be cold from the fridge.
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).