"Funeral Beans"
Hearty and flavorful baked beans with ground beef, smoky spices, and sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chuck or lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 envelope green onion dip mix ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz) cans pork and beans in tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can white beans or black beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup catsup ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vinegar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until the red color disappears.
- Drain off excess fat from the skillet.
- In a slow cooker or large pot on low heat, combine the cooked beef, dry green onion dip mix, undrained pork and beans, drained kidney beans, drained lima beans, drained white or black beans, catsup, prepared mustard, chili powder, vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on the stove top for about 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced bell peppers or chopped onions to the beef while browning. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This dish is versatile, so feel free to swap in different beans based on your preference or what's on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Funeral Beans warm, 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, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or one of your favorite pork recipes. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Funeral Beans" contains roughly 490 calories, with 17g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 600mg per serving (26% 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 use fresh beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh beans, but keep in mind that they need to be cooked beforehand. Soak them overnight and boil until tender before adding to the recipe. This can enhance the flavor and texture, but it requires more planning ahead.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or omit it entirely. You can also add more beans or vegetables to fill the gap. Adjust the seasonings to ensure it remains flavorful.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar by half or substitute it with a sugar alternative. You can also add a bit more vinegar to balance out the flavors, creating a tangy contrast that complements the beans.
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).