Party Beans
Party Beans is a hearty, flavorful casserole packed with ground beef, a medley of beans, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for large gatherings or family dinners, it combines sweet, tangy, and savory notes, making it a crowd-pleaser with comforting, robust flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef
- 2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can green beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz.) can lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can wax beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can chili beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1/2 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Drain the fat from the beef.
- Add chopped onion and celery; cook until tender.
- Stir in the cream of tomato soup, ketchup, and tomato paste.
- Simmer the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Spoon the mixture into a large kettle or roaster.
- Add all remaining beans and ingredients; stir well.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use lean ground beef to reduce grease. You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Experiment with different beans like black beans or pinto beans for a unique flavor. This dish is also great for a One Pot Supper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Party Beans with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs well to balance the richness of the dish. For a comforting combination, try serving it alongside Salisbury Steak With Onion Gravy. 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, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Beans contains roughly 304 calories, with 6g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value), iron (10% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (10% 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 make Party Beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Party Beans a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to baking, then refrigerate the mixture. 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.
What can I substitute for cream of tomato soup?
If you don't have cream of tomato soup, you can use a combination of crushed tomatoes and a splash of heavy cream to achieve a similar consistency and flavor. Alternatively, a homemade tomato sauce can also work well in this recipe.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the dish. This will enhance the flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as dried beans may require longer to soften.
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).