Kenny'S Butter Bean Pie
A hearty casserole combining creamy butter beans, seasoned ground beef, melted jalapeno cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce, topped with cornbread for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook butter beans in a crock-pot overnight.
- Drain the butter beans and place them in a large casserole dish.
- Brown the hamburger, then drain excess fat.
- Add Ragu with green peppers and mushrooms to the hamburger; mix well.
- Pour the hamburger mixture over the butter beans in the casserole dish.
- Slice Velveeta cheese with jalapeno and layer over the top of the casserole.
- Prepare the Mexican cornbread mix according to package instructions and pour over the cheese layer.
- Bake at 350°F until the cornbread is browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the Velveeta cheese before layering it on the casserole. If you can't find Velveeta with jalapeno, regular Velveeta combined with some diced jalapenos or hot sauce will work. You can also swap the hamburger for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, similar to what's used in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, serve it alongside a side of Chili Dip In Bread Bowl for an appetizer. You can also top each serving with fresh cilantro or avocado for added flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. If the cornbread layer becomes too dry, adding a little broth can help keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kenny'S Butter Bean Pie contains roughly 365 calories, with 13g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 697mg per serving (30% 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 canned butter beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned butter beans to save time. Just drain and rinse them before layering in the casserole. Reduce the cooking time since the beans are already cooked, and layer them directly with the hamburger mixture.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the hamburger with a plant-based ground meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth in place of any meat-based ingredients to enhance the flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can incorporate diced fresh jalapenos into the hamburger mixture or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the cornbread batter. Additionally, serving it with a side of hot sauce can allow everyone 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).