Yankee Beans
Hearty Yankee Beans combine savory bacon, hamburger, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, making a comforting dish perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger and bacon together in a skillet and drain the excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, celery, ketchup, and a small amount of water to the skillet and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Place the canned beans, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and salt into a crock pot.
- Pour the meat sauce over the beans in the crock pot and mix well.
- Add enough water to make the mixture soupy but not runny.
- Cook in the crock pot until warm and bubbly, about 1-2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or turkey bacon as a substitution. Additionally, feel free to swap out the kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans based on your preference. This dish is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Yankee Beans make a hearty main dish and pair well with cornbread or a side salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving alongside coleslaw or pickles for a refreshing contrast. This dish also complements grilled meats nicely, making it a great choice for barbecues or potlucks. For a twist, serve with slices of My Crazy Meat Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water if the beans have thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yankee Beans contains roughly 518 calories, with 22g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1028mg per serving (45% 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, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. This will require additional time and preparation, so plan accordingly. Typically, 1 cup of dried beans yields about 2-3 cups of cooked beans. Be sure to adjust the cooking time in the crock pot accordingly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Yankee Beans vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and hamburger. You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smokiness. Use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking, and consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
What type of ketchup works best for this recipe?
Any standard ketchup will work well, but for a deeper flavor, try using a gourmet or organic ketchup. You can also experiment with different varieties, such as spicy ketchup or those with added spices, to give the dish a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the sweetness of the ketchup will affect the overall flavor.
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).