Six Bean Bake
A hearty and flavorful baked bean casserole featuring a blend of six different beans, savory ground beef, and smoky bacon. The sweet and tangy sauce, enriched with brown sugar, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and molasses, makes this dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering comfort and bold flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the yellow wax beans, lima beans, and green beans from their cans. Do not drain the pork and beans, kidney beans, and butter beans.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked, then crumble into a large baking dish.
- Add the drained beans, pork and beans, kidney beans, butter beans, brown sugar, catsup, barbecue sauce, and molasses to the baking dish with the cooked meat.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Place several strips of bacon on top of the mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours or until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding diced smoked sausage or using a smoky barbecue sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger with a mix of chopped mushrooms and bell peppers. You can also experiment with different bean varieties, such as black beans or pinto beans, to give this dish a unique twist. This hearty bake is perfect for gatherings alongside dishes like Goulash(Slop).
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Six Bean Bake with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. This dish also pairs nicely with coleslaw or baked potatoes. For a complete spread, consider offering it alongside Ham-Chicken Delight or Taco Hamburger Quiche for a delightful family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Six Bean Bake contains roughly 1115 calories, with 30g protein, 208g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and protein (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1151mg per serving (50% 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 Six Bean Bake a day in advance. Just assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
What can I substitute for the hamburger?
You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, use lentils or a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to maintain a hearty texture.
How do I know when the dish is done baking?
The Six Bean Bake is done when the mixture is thickened and bubbly, usually after about 1 1/2 hours at 350°F (175°C). You can also check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 160°F (70°C) for safety when meat is included.
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).