Busy Day Baked Beans
A hearty baked beans casserole with cheese, ham, and eggs, perfect for busy days or family gatherings, offering comforting flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cans pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 16 slices bread ⓘ
- ham or sausage ⓘ
- 1 cup diced Colby cheese ⓘ
- 6 eggs ⓘ
- 3 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup oleo (margarine or butter) ⓘ
- 8 slices bread, crust removed ⓘ
Instructions
- Distribute bread crumbs evenly in a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the bread crumbs.
- Snip smoked ham with scissors over the cheese.
- Beat eggs lightly and add dry mustard and milk; stir to blend.
- Pour the egg mixture into the casserole dish over the bread crumbs, cheese, and ham.
- Dot the top with butter and sprinkle with paprika.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes until golden and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cooked bacon or any leftover cooked ham or sausage you have on hand. You can also swap Colby cheese for cheddar or any cheese you prefer. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute some of the milk with unsweetened almond milk. This recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for brunch or a cozy family dinner. Serve it alongside a fresh Spinach 7 Layer Salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs well with baked potatoes or grilled vegetables. For a heartier option, add a side of Pork Roast With Rosemary Crust to complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Day Baked Beans contains roughly 710 calories, with 15g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1626mg per serving (71% 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 Busy Day Baked Beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate it. Just ensure to cover it tightly to prevent drying out. Baking it the next day will allow the flavors to meld nicely, making it even more delicious.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon and use smoked paprika to add a similar flavor. For a meaty alternative, turkey bacon or diced ham can be great substitutes while still keeping the dish hearty.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze Busy Day Baked Beans after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated 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).