Three Beans
A hearty and flavorful bean casserole combining bacon, ground beef, and a savory tomato-based sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 strips bacon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 3 small cans pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 can drained kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 can drained lima beans ⓘ
- 1 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry bacon in a skillet until crisp; remove and set aside.
- In the bacon drippings, sauté chopped onion, green pepper, and celery until tender.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and fry until browned.
- Add all four cans of beans (pork and beans, kidney beans, lima beans) to the skillet.
- Mix together catsup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Add the sauce mixture to the skillet with the beans and meat.
- Mix well and cook for 45 minutes in an electric skillet, crock-pot, or oven.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or substituting turkey bacon for a lighter option. You can also use any variety of canned beans you prefer; black beans or pinto beans can work well. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, replace the bacon and beef with mushrooms and a plant-based protein. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty three bean dish with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with Zesty Bacon Dip as an appetizer or side. For a complete meal, consider a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables alongside to balance the richness of the beans and bacon.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. This dish also freezes well; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Beans contains roughly 1036 calories, with 9g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1165mg per serving (51% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use a plant-based meat alternative if you're looking for a vegetarian version. Both substitutes will still provide a hearty texture and flavor that complements the beans and sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes! You can add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mix for some heat. If you're a fan of spice, consider serving it with a side of spicy cornbread to enhance the flavors.
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).