Sweet Beans
Sweet Beans is a hearty, flavorful casserole combining smoky bacon, savory beef, and sweet beans in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 (No. 1) can lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (No. 1) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (No. 1) can pork and beans in tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated American cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Put chopped bacon and ground beef in a large heavy skillet.
- Cook, stirring with a fork, until the beef is browned and bacon is partially cooked.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, lima beans, kidney beans, pork and beans, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and catsup to the skillet.
- Mix well and cook for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with grated American cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using turkey bacon or ground turkey instead of traditional bacon and beef for a lighter option. You can also substitute the canned beans with any variety you prefer, such as black beans or pinto beans. If you're looking to enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside rice or baked potatoes. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warm, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Beans contains roughly 511 calories, with 19g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 782mg per serving (34% 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 dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and ground beef. Instead, use plant-based sausage or extra beans for protein. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
How can I adjust the sweetness of this dish?
If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or catsup. Alternatively, you can add a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the sweetness if you find it too intense.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake it when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
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).