Settler'S Bean Casserole
A hearty baked bean casserole featuring smoky bacon, ground beef, sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for family dinners or potlucks with its comforting, savory taste.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can butter beans (do not drain) ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans (do not drain) ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pork and beans (do not drain)
- 1/4 cup white sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry the bacon until crisp, then crumble and set aside.
- In the bacon fat, fry the hamburger and chopped onion until browned.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the hamburger and onion mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Add the butter beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans along with their liquid to the casserole.
- Stir in white sugar, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, molasses, and salt.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 70 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you're short on time, precooked bacon can be a great substitute. To reduce sugar, substitute half of the white and brown sugar with unsweetened applesauce. This recipe can also work well with other beans like black beans or navy beans if you prefer a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. A side of steamed broccoli would add a nice touch and complement the flavors. It also works well with dishes like Bogie'S Ribs if you're hosting a gathering, making for a comforting spread that guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. It can also be microwaved, but be sure to cover it to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Settler'S Bean Casserole contains roughly 813 calories, with 16g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and potassium (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 676mg per serving (29% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can replace bacon with smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon alternative. You might miss some of the savory flavor, so consider adding a bit of smoked paprika for that extra depth.
Can I freeze the Settler's Bean Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just ensure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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).