Crockpot Casserole
A hearty, smoky casserole combining beans, bacon, and beef with tangy ketchup and brown sugar, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound hamburger, browned ⓘ
- 3/4 pound bacon, cut up and cooked ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (4 pound) can pork and beans
- 1 pound can butter lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 pound can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup Ketsup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
- Stir before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the mix. You can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger for a lighter option, and if you're not a fan of lima beans, try using pinto beans instead. Using homemade ketchup can elevate the dish even more. Be sure to brown the hamburger thoroughly to enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with chopped green onions or shredded cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Company Baked Pork Chops. This dish is great for potlucks and family gatherings, as it easily feeds a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. This dish also freezes well, lasting up to 3 months in the freezer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crockpot Casserole contains roughly 1392 calories, with 38g protein, 222g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), protein (75% of the Daily Value), and iron (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1228mg per serving (53% 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 casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the hamburger and bacon. Substitute with additional beans such as black beans or chickpeas for protein, and use a vegetarian liquid smoke or omit it entirely. Adjust the seasonings to ensure it remains flavorful.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the casserole?
If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar to 1 or 2 tablespoons, or substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. You can also add more vinegar to balance the sweetness, creating a tangier dish that complements the beans.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans instead of canned ones. Just be sure to soak and cook them beforehand until tender, as this dish is designed for pre-cooked beans. Adjust the cooking time accordingly in the crockpot, as dried beans will need longer to cook.
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).