Super Beans
Hearty baked bean casserole with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, combining savory meats and rich beans in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. molasses ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup white sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 can green lima beans ⓘ
- 1 can red beans ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bacon ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and chopped onions in a skillet, then drain well.
- Combine all other ingredients in a large casserole or roaster.
- Drain the lima beans and red beans before adding.
- Add the cooked hamburger and onions to the bean mixture and stir to combine.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for one hour.
- Cover during the first half of baking and uncover for the last half.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter profile, consider adding a bit more brown sugar or using maple syrup instead. If you don't have green lima beans, you can substitute with regular green beans. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger for a lighter version. If you like heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
Super Beans make a hearty main dish and pair well with cornbread or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside a Broiled Cheese Sandwich or a bowl of Chili Beef Soup. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Super Beans contains roughly 502 calories, with 15g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1580mg per serving (69% 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 substitute the hamburger with a meat alternative like lentils or crumbled tofu. Replace the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor without the meat.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To increase the spice level, add more chili powder or incorporate diced jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder and ensure other spices are balanced to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's going in the oven cold.
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).