Three Bean Baked Beans
A hearty three bean baked beans dish with rich tomato and smoky flavors, perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Combine cooked beef and onion with remaining ingredients in a crock-pot or baking dish.
- Stir everything together well.
- Cook in a crock-pot on low for 6 hours or cover and bake in a slow oven at 325°F (160°C) for 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, in place of the baby lima beans. If you prefer a spicier kick, adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the dish. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute, and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
These Three Bean Baked Beans are excellent served alongside grilled meats, burgers, or hot dogs. They pair beautifully with coleslaw or cornbread for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, serve with a side of rice or a green salad to balance the richness of the beans. This dish also makes a great addition to any potluck or barbecue.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, for about 2-3 minutes. If the beans seem dry, add a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Bean Baked Beans contains roughly 951 calories, with 14g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 574mg per serving (25% 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 different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the baby lima beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas, depending on your preference. Just ensure that you drain and rinse any canned beans to reduce sodium content. Mixing different beans can also add varied textures and flavors.
How can I make these baked beans vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with cooked lentils or a meatless ground beef substitute. You may want to add more seasoning to enhance the flavors. Additionally, ensure that your liquid smoke is plant-based if you are looking for a fully vegetarian recipe.
How long do these baked beans take to cook?
If you are using a crock-pot, cook the baked beans on low for about 6 hours. If you prefer to bake them, cover your baking dish and place it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 3 hours. Both methods will yield delicious, tender beans.
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).