Roosevelt Beans
A hearty baked bean dish combining savory meats, sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a rich, smoky profile.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hamburger or sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bacon (1/2-inch dice) ⓘ
- 1 onion (1/2-inch dice) ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 can kidney or chili beans
- 1 can lima beans ⓘ
- 1 can butter beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the liquid from the cans of beans for a thicker sauce.
- Cook the hamburger or sausage until browned and fully cooked.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then add diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Combine cooked meats and bacon with the drained beans in a mixing bowl.
- Add brown sugar, cider vinegar, prepared mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper to the bean mixture.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional bacon or herbs if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture. You can substitute any of the beans with your favorites, such as black beans or pinto beans, for a different twist. If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Pairing this dish with a side of cornbread will enhance the meal.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for gatherings and pairs well with a simple green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it alongside cornbread or a baked potato for a hearty meal. It also complements well with other American recipes like Honey-Grilled Pork Tenderloin, making it an excellent addition to a potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for quick servings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roosevelt Beans contains roughly 1040 calories, with 13g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1114mg per serving (48% 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 recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the meats with plant-based alternatives, such as lentils or crumbled tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of meat drippings for added flavor. The beans will still provide a hearty texture and taste.
How can I make it spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the mixture. You could also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick. Additionally, using spicy sausage instead of regular sausage can elevate the spice level.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bean mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it just before serving to ensure it’s hot and bubbly. This makes it a convenient option for busy days or gatherings, allowing flavors to meld even more.
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).