Three Bean Dish
A hearty, sweet and savory bean casserole with bacon flavor, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering comforting textures and bold tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped onion in bacon grease until translucent.
- Mix all beans, catsup, sugar, vinegar, and cooked onion together.
- Pour mixture into a baking dish and bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or garlic when cooking the onions. If you don't have bacon grease, any cooking oil will work, but for a smoky taste, try adding a bit of smoked paprika. You can substitute the pork and beans with a homemade version to control the sweetness and spices, making it a versatile dish in line with traditional American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty three bean dish as a main course or as a side at your next barbecue or potluck. It pairs beautifully with cornbread, making it a perfect accompaniment to Tess' Bean Pot or Yankee Potato Salad. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally, until hot. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just let it cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Bean Dish contains roughly 540 calories, with 11g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 659mg per serving (29% 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! Soak them overnight and cook until tender before adding them to the dish. Keep in mind that this will increase the total cooking time, so plan accordingly. Dried beans can often enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
What can I substitute for sugar in this recipe?
You can substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like stevia or agave nectar. Adjust the quantity to taste, as these substitutes may be sweeter than regular sugar. This allows you to create a dish that meets your dietary preferences while still maintaining the balance of flavors.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon grease and use olive oil or a plant-based butter for sautéing the onions. This will keep the dish vegetarian while still providing delicious flavor. You can also add some smoked tofu for an extra protein boost that complements the beans well.
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).