Farmer'S Chow
A hearty, smoky casserole featuring bacon, ground beef, beans, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or outdoor camping meals with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry hamburger, chopped onion, and chopped celery until browned.
- Add pork and beans, mushrooms, tomato sauce, and crumbled bacon.
- Optionally, add brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, or chili sauce to taste.
- Serve hot with green salad and crusty bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground pork in the hamburger mix. If you want a smoky flavor without bacon, try using smoked paprika. You can also substitute the canned mushrooms with fresh sautéed ones for a more intense taste. Adjust the sweetness with brown sugar or ketchup to your preference, making this dish versatile like other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Farmer's Chow hot, paired with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with sides like coleslaw or cornbread, making it a hearty option for family gatherings. For variation, consider serving it alongside Pennsylvania Dutch Cabbage And Meatballs for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, transfer the chow to a saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Farmer'S Chow contains roughly 684 calories, with 19g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 758mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Farmer's Chow ahead of time?
Yes, Farmer's Chow can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just follow the cooking instructions, let it cool, and then refrigerate. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?
If you want to make this dish vegetarian or reduce the fat content, you can substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or liquid smoke for a similar flavor. Another option is to use turkey bacon as a lower-fat alternative that still gives a smoky taste.
Can I freeze Farmer's Chow?
Yes, you can freeze Farmer's Chow. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
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).