Three Bean Bake - Baked Beans

6 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 45 m Total: 1 h Beginner
Be the first to rate!
Three Bean Bake - Baked Beans
A hearty three bean casserole with kidney beans, lima beans, and pork and beans, baked with bacon, brown sugar, and a tangy sauce. Add ground beef or hot dogs to make it a complete meal.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
  • 1 (15 oz) can butter or lima beans
  • 1 can pork and beans
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup catsup
  • Dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp mustard
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp Season All or seasoned salt
  • 2 to 4 slices bacon
  • Browned ground beef seasoned (optional)
  • Cut up hot dogs (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Dice bacon and sauté with the onion and celery until bacon is cooked and the onion is translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Combine the beans in a 2 quart casserole with the cooked bacon mixture.
  4. Add the brown sugar, catsup, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, mustard, black pepper, and Season All. Stir well to combine.
  5. If using optional ground beef or hot dogs, add them now and stir into the mixture.
  6. Cover and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

A: Yes, but you'll need to cook them separately first until tender. Canned beans are convenient and work perfectly for this recipe since they'll soften further during baking.

Q: The beans seem dry after baking - what happened?

A: Don't drain the beans too thoroughly before mixing. A little liquid from the cans helps create the sauce. If they seem dry, add a splash of bean liquid or water before baking.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t skip the step of cooking the bacon with the onion and celery - this builds flavor throughout the dish. If making ahead, assemble everything except baking, then refrigerate and add 10 minutes to the baking time if going in cold.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • butter or lima beans: great northern beans or navy beans
  • pork and beans: baked beans or additional kidney beans
  • bacon: salt pork or turkey bacon

Equipment Needed

  • 2 quart casserole dish
  • Large skillet for sautéing bacon