Yummy Beans
A hearty, flavorful bean casserole with smoky bacon, tender meats, and sweet tangy sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. lean ground round beef ⓘ
- 2 strips bacon, cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cans pork and beans (1 lb. 15 oz. each)
- 1 (1 lb.) can pinto beans ⓘ
- 1 small package frozen lima beans ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; pour off excess fat.
- Put the cooked beef into a Dutch oven.
- In the skillet, sauté the bacon and chopped onion until almost done.
- Stir the bacon and onion mixture into the Dutch oven with the beef.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the Dutch oven.
- Simmer on low heat for 2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a large baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground chuck instead of lean ground round beef. You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option, and if you prefer a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or some hot sauce. Using canned beans saves time; opt for low-sodium versions if you're watching your salt intake. This dish can be easily adjusted to add more vegetables or different types of beans based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Yummy Beans can be served as a hearty main dish or as a side for barbecues. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled meats or with rice. This dish is perfect for potlucks and gatherings, offering a comforting taste that complements various occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yummy Beans contains roughly 407 calories, with 6g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 490mg per serving (21% 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 Yummy Beans vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils or mushrooms for a similar texture. Use vegetarian bacon or omit it entirely, and ensure your beans are canned in water without meat products. The flavor will still be delicious and satisfying!
How can I thicken the beans if they are too soupy?
If your Yummy Beans turn out too runny, you can thicken the mixture by simmering it uncovered for a bit longer to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, then stir it into the beans and cook until thickened. This will help achieve that perfect consistency.
Can I prepare Yummy Beans in advance?
Yes, Yummy Beans can be prepared in advance! You can cook the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven before serving. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep or when hosting gatherings!
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).