Touchdown Beans
Touchdown Beans is a hearty, flavorful baked bean dish combining ground beef, bacon, and sweet tomato-based sauces, perfect for casual gatherings or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a crock pot.
- Cook on low until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding browned bacon; it complements the sweetness of the beans. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein or lentils. Adjust the sweetness by reducing the white sugar or using a sugar alternative for a lower-calorie option. This dish can also be enhanced with spices like chili powder or cumin for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Touchdown Beans as a hearty main dish, perfect for game day or family gatherings. Pair it with cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. This dish goes wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw or potato chips. For a delicious twist, it also complements Family Favorite Burgers when served at a barbecue.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Touchdown Beans contains roughly 856 calories, with 38g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value), protein (75% of the Daily Value), and iron (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 725mg per serving (32% 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 mix and match any beans you prefer, such as black beans or pinto beans. Just ensure the total amount remains roughly the same to maintain the dish's consistency and flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the day before and store them in the crock pot insert in the refrigerator. Just remove it in the morning and let it cook on low for several hours. This is great for busy days when you want a hearty meal ready when you return home.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, Touchdown Beans freeze well! Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
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).