Five Bean Casserole
A hearty and flavorful bean casserole featuring a savory sausage base combined with five different beans, sweetened with brown sugar and enriched with tomato flavors. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers a comforting, smoky taste with a blend of textures and a crispy bacon topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped celery, green pepper, and onion in sausage drippings until tender.
- In a large roaster, combine the cooked vegetables, browned sausage, tomato paste, tomato soup, brown sugar, and all the beans.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Place bacon strips on top of the mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes, until heated through and bacon is crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of regular sausage. You can also substitute the canned beans with dried beans that you cook beforehand for a fresher taste. If you're short on time, frozen vegetables can be used instead of fresh. Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the brown sugar to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside classic American recipes like Pork Chops And Rice for a hearty dinner. For a twist, top with shredded cheese before baking for a cheesy finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Five Bean Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a lid or plastic wrap, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Five Bean Casserole contains roughly 592 calories, with 25g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and protein (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 551mg per serving (24% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of sausage?
If you're looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for sausage. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based sausage or omit the meat altogether and add extra vegetables for flavor.
Can I freeze the Five Bean Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) 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).