Frank-Bean Bake
A hearty, comforting baked bean and frankfurter casserole with savory tomato sauce and melted Cheddar cheese. Perfect for casual family dinners or potlucks, it's easy to prepare and full of bold flavors, combining beans, sausages, and melted cheese in a warm, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Mix the drained red kidney beans, drained lima beans, spaghetti sauce with mushrooms, chopped onion, and shredded Cheddar cheese in an ungreased 1 1/2 quart casserole.
- Arrange the frankfurters on top of the bean mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the bean mixture is bubbly and the frankfurters are light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding bell peppers or mushrooms to the bean mixture. If you're short on time, canned beans can be substituted with frozen beans, which will save on prep time. You can also use turkey or chicken frankfurters for a lighter option. This dish is a great way to use up leftover vegetables, making it a flexible choice for any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Frank-Bean Bake with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Paula'S Potatoes for a comforting dinner. For a more festive touch, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frank-Bean Bake contains roughly 922 calories, with 42g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1633mg 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 this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the frankfurters and consider adding more beans or vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture. You can also use plant-based sausage alternatives to keep it hearty while adhering to vegetarian recipes.
What can I substitute for spaghetti sauce?
If you don't have spaghetti sauce on hand, marinara sauce or even a homemade tomato sauce can work well. For a twist, try adding some diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning to give the dish a unique flavor.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the bean mixture. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize their spice level.
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).