Lotta Bean Casserole
A hearty bean casserole combining ground beef, hearty beans, and savory condiments, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking a flavorful, filling dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and onion in a skillet.
- Add the pork and beans, pouring off the liquid.
- Stir in the ketchup, salt, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 40 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you don't have kidney or lima beans, you can substitute them with any canned beans you have on hand, like black beans or pinto beans. For a vegetarian version, replace the hamburger with lentils or a meat substitute. This casserole can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lotta Bean Casserole with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Warm Bean Salad(Party Size Recipe) for an extra dose of beans and vegetables. For a hearty touch, top with shredded cheese or crispy bacon before baking. This dish is perfect for potlucks and family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lotta Bean Casserole contains roughly 1231 calories, with 20g protein, 272g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2543mg per serving (111% 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 dried beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times and quantities, as dried beans will expand significantly when cooked. This may require adjustments to the liquid in the casserole.
What can I do if the casserole is too sweet?
If the casserole turns out too sweet for your taste, try balancing it with a little extra vinegar or mustard to add acidity. You can also mix in some diced tomatoes or bell peppers to offset the sweetness and add more depth to the flavor.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! The Lotta Bean Casserole freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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).