Pork And Beans For A Big Crowd
A hearty and flavorful baked bean dish featuring pork, savory seasonings, and a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for feeding a crowd at gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet.
- Stir in chopped onion or onion soup mix, water, catsup or tomato soup, mustard, vinegar, molasses, salt, pepper, and garlic if desired.
- Combine with drained kidney beans and pork and beans in a baking dish.
- Bake in an oven at 400°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika or adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce. If you don't have molasses, honey or brown sugar can be used as a substitute. To save time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or even turkey for a leaner option. Fresh garlic can enhance the taste, but garlic powder is a convenient alternative if you’re short on time.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For an extra kick, serve with hot sauce or a side of pickles. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, and you can even serve it alongside other comfort food like Old Fashioned Corn Chowder for a satisfying feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork And Beans For A Big Crowd contains roughly 2110 calories, with 25g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 182g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and protein (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 763mg per serving (33% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve. This also allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier.
What can I substitute for the pork and beans?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can use baked beans or any bean mix. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning since different brands may have varying sweetness levels.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mix of lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor, and keep the other ingredients the same for a hearty vegetarian dish.
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).