Western Bean Casserole
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining smoky bacon, seasoned ground beef, and a sweet-savory bean mixture topped with barbecue and ketchup. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish offers a comforting blend of textures and flavors with a hint of smoky sweetness, satisfying a crowd with ease.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/3 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 28 oz. can pork and beans (undrained) ⓘ
- 17 oz. can baby limas, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 16 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce (original Open Pit) ⓘ
- 2/3 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. molasses ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain and crumble.
- Cook the ground beef, drain, and rinse.
- Add the cooked bacon, beef, diced onion, pork and beans, baby limas, kidney beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, prepared mustard, and molasses. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish prepared with Pam.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a few dashes of liquid smoke. If you're out of barbecue sauce, a mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce can work well. To make it vegetarian, substitute the bacon and ground beef with plant-based alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of the meats' drippings.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or cornbread for a comforting meal. You can also serve it alongside baked potatoes for a filling dinner. For a twist, try adding shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Western Bean Casserole contains roughly 1429 calories, with 19g protein, 247g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), potassium (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 721mg per serving (31% 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 Western Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just prepare the mixture and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven, or adjust the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What beans can I substitute in this recipe?
If you don't have pork and beans, you can use a combination of canned baked beans and additional kidney beans for similar flavor and texture. Great Northern or navy beans can also work as substitutes for the baby limas if you prefer a different bean variety.
Can I freeze Western Bean Casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, or bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it's heated through.
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).