Meat And Bean Hot Dish
A hearty baked bean dish with savory bacon, ground meat, and sweet molasses, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown bacon in a large frying pan.
- Remove bacon; brown ground meat and chopped onion in the same pan.
- In a large casserole dish, combine tomato sauce, dry mustard, brown sugar, and pork and beans.
- Add the cooked meat and onion mixture to the casserole dish and stir well.
- Add molasses if desired for a baked beans flavor.
- Crumble bacon on top of the mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken. To enhance the flavor, sauté garlic with the onion. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar or molasses to your liking. This dish is versatile, allowing for ingredient swaps based on personal preference.
Serving Suggestions
This meat and bean hot dish pairs well with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad, such as Fresh Cauliflower-Broccoli Salad, to balance its richness. You can also serve it alongside rice or baked potatoes for a heartier meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the hot dish in a baking dish and cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat And Bean Hot Dish contains roughly 1595 calories, with 101g protein, 247g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (203% of the Daily Value), iron (170% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 701mg 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 beans instead of pork and beans?
Yes, you can use any canned beans like kidney or black beans for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the casserole. This will modify the taste slightly but still create a delicious dish.
Is it necessary to use molasses?
Molasses is optional but adds a deep, rich flavor reminiscent of baked beans. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the brown sugar instead or use maple syrup as a substitute for a different sweetness profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hot dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's 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).