Three Beans Bake
Three Beans Bake is a hearty, savory casserole combining ground beef, bacon, and a trio of beans, all coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy barbecue-flavored sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers bold flavors and comforting textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. chopped bacon ⓘ
- 1/3 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/3 c. white sugar
- 1 dash salt and pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. molasses ⓘ
- barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can butter beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 large can baked beans or pork and beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped bacon.
- Heat together brown sugar, ketchup, chili powder, dry mustard, white sugar, salt, pepper, molasses, and barbecue sauce.
- Combine the cooked meat mixture with the sauce mixture.
- Add the drained butter beans, undrained baked beans or pork and beans, and drained kidney beans.
- Mix well and transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake until heated through and bubbly, about 60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the sauce. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives and use vegetarian beans. You can also customize the beans based on what you have on hand, such as adding black beans or pinto beans for variety.
Serving Suggestions
This Three Beans Bake is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad. For an extra kick, serve with hot sauce on the side. It makes an excellent dish for potlucks or family gatherings, and you can browse more American recipes for complementary sides.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a baking dish and cover with foil, heating at 350°F until warmed through, about 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Beans Bake contains roughly 449 calories, with 20g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1377mg per serving (60% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish a day in advance. Simply assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, try using lentils or plant-based crumbles instead of meat. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, increase the amount of chili powder or incorporate diced jalapeños into the meat mixture. You can also serve the dish with a side of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
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).