Microwave Bean Bake
A hearty, sweet and savory microwave bean bake featuring bacon, pineapple, and a tangy ketchup sauce, perfect for quick comfort food that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop bacon and cook in a glass casserole in the microwave until crispy.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in beans, pineapple, brown sugar, catsup, dry mustard, black pepper, and bacon drippings.
- Cover the casserole.
- Microwave on medium power for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Adjust cooking time as needed based on your microwave.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or leave it out for a vegetarian option. You can also try adding a can of drained corn for added sweetness and texture. Make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the wattage of your microwave. If you prefer a spicier flavor, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Microwave Bean Bake is perfect served alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a festive touch, pair it with Ham-Pineapple Rolls for a delicious contrast. It also works well as a hearty side dish for barbecues or potlucks, where it can complement other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave covered with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to prevent splatters, heating in intervals until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Bean Bake contains roughly 22 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 for this recipe?
Yes, canned beans are a great time-saver! Just rinse them well to remove excess sodium before adding them to the casserole. This will help maintain the dish's flavor and texture without becoming too salty.
What type of beans work best for this dish?
While any variety of beans can work, pinto or navy beans are traditional choices for a bean bake because of their creamy texture. However, feel free to mix different types of beans for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just microwave it as instructed, adjusting the heating time as necessary 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).