Smoky Ham And Bean Bake
A hearty smoky bean bake combining mixed beans, ham, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with a rich, savory taste.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can navy beans ⓘ
- 16 oz. can kidney beans
- 16 oz. can lima beans ⓘ
- 16 oz. can mixed beans ⓘ
- 1 lb. precooked ham, cubed ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups catsup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bean liquid or water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke
- 1/8 tsp. hot pepper sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the beans, reserving 1/2 cup of liquid.
- Pour the beans into a 4-quart casserole dish.
- Add the cubed ham, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, catsup, bean liquid or water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dry mustard, liquid smoke, and hot pepper sauce.
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Cover the casserole and bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, ensure you use high-quality liquid smoke. You can substitute navy beans with pinto beans if desired. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more hot pepper sauce or include diced jalapeños. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika. This dish also works well with leftover ham from a holiday meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the smoky ham and bean bake with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can balance the richness of the dish. For a complete dinner, pair with a Grilled Turkey Sandwich or a light Five Layer Salad to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoky Ham And Bean Bake contains roughly 945 calories, with 30g protein, 181g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value), protein (61% of the Daily Value), and iron (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 902mg per serving (39% 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?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as dried beans take longer to become tender than canned beans.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the ham and replace it with smoked tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian alternative. Additionally, you might want to enhance the flavor with extra liquid smoke and spices.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread or crusty bread. You might also consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
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).