Ranch House Beans
Ranch House Beans is a hearty, savory dish featuring beans and ground beef in a tangy, sweet sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in margarine in a frypan.
- Add the Lipton onion soup mix, water, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, and brown sugar to the frypan and stir.
- Cook the beans in a crock-pot or a pan until heated through.
- Add the cooked beef mixture to the beans and simmer until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine when browning the beef. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use canned black beans if you prefer. If you want to add a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can elevate the dish. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with chopped mushrooms for a hearty texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ranch House Beans with a side of cornbread or over rice for a complete meal. They also pair well with the Ultimate Cole Slaw for a refreshing contrast. For a hearty dinner, consider serving alongside a green salad or some roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect for potlucks or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the beans gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ranch House Beans contains roughly 1554 calories, with 13g protein, 328g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (121% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1499mg per serving (65% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Typically, you'll want about 3 cups of cooked beans to replace the canned versions. Make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly, as dried beans will take longer to soften.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use a variety of beans, such as black beans and pinto beans. You can also add some sautéed bell peppers or zucchini for additional flavor and texture.
What can I do if the mixture is too sweet?
If you find the dish too sweet for your taste, you can balance it by adding a little more vinegar or mustard to enhance the tanginess. Alternatively, a pinch of salt can help to cut through the sweetness and bring out the other flavors.
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).