Get ready to impress your guests this summer with the ultimate crowd-pleaser: our Baked Three Bean Casserole! This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a hearty, satisfying meal in itself, brimming with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a delightful trio of beans. Perfect for any backyard barbecue, potluck, or festive gathering, this easy-to-make casserole promises to be the star of your spread, leaving everyone asking for the recipe. Say goodbye to complicated cooking and hello to effortless deliciousness with this beloved classic that consistently steals the show.
Summer just isn’t complete without the comforting aroma of baked beans wafting through the air. While the classic canned baked beans have their place, imagine elevating that experience to an entirely new level. This isn’t just a simple side; it’s a deeply flavorful, robust casserole that brings together the best of sweet, savory, and smoky notes. From the moment it hits the table, its rich texture and irresistible scent promise a truly satisfying culinary journey. Trust us, once you try this recipe, your summer BBQ staple will forever be redefined.
Over the years, I’ve served countless dishes to family and friends, always keen to let their taste buds be the judge. Yet, when it comes to this particular Baked Three Bean Casserole, a unanimous verdict has always emerged: it’s simply the best! I recall receiving the original recipe from a treasured cookbook gifted by my mother many years ago – a true culinary legacy. This book has been a wellspring of winning recipes, and this bean casserole stands out as a timeless favorite that never fails to garner rave reviews. Its enduring popularity speaks volumes, making it a reliable hit for any occasion where delicious food is a must.
Why This Baked Three Bean Casserole Will Be Your New Summer Favorite
There are countless reasons why this Baked Three Bean Casserole isn’t just another recipe, but a guaranteed showstopper for your summer repertoire.
Effortless Preparation for Busy Days
Life gets busy, especially during the vibrant summer months filled with outdoor activities and spontaneous gatherings. This recipe is your answer to delightful home cooking without the fuss. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for those last-minute potlucks or when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine.
A True One-Pot Wonder
Who loves doing dishes? Nobody! That’s why the one-pot aspect of this casserole is a game-changer. All the magic happens in a single Dutch oven, significantly cutting down on cleanup time. Imagine creating a robust, flavorful meal with just one pot to wash – pure bliss, especially on those warm summer evenings when you’d rather relax than scrub.
Hearty and Satisfying: A Meal in Itself
Beyond being a fantastic side dish, this casserole truly eats like a meal. The combination of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and three different types of beans creates a remarkably substantial and fulfilling dish. It’s packed with protein and fiber, ensuring that every serving leaves you feeling perfectly satisfied, making it an excellent standalone option for a casual dinner or a robust addition to any feast.
The Ultimate Versatile Crowd-Pleaser
A summer barbecue isn’t complete without a stellar side, and this baked bean casserole fits the bill perfectly. Its balanced sweet and savory profile, coupled with a slight tang, makes it incredibly versatile. It harmonizes beautifully with almost any grilled main course, from classic hot dogs and juicy burgers to succulent grilled chicken, tender steaks, and even pulled pork. No matter what’s on your menu, this casserole is sure to complement it flawlessly and delight every palate.
Make-Ahead Convenience
Planning a party? This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld beautifully and freeing you up to enjoy your guests when the big day arrives. Simply assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve. This make-ahead capability is a huge advantage for stress-free entertaining.
Essential Ingredients for Your Three Bean Casserole
Crafting this irresistible Baked Three Bean Casserole requires a selection of readily available ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in making this dish truly unforgettable.
- Bacon: Adds a crucial smoky depth and savory crunch that permeates the entire dish.
- Ground Beef: Provides a robust, meaty foundation, transforming the casserole into a hearty, meal-like experience.
- Yellow Onion: Lends a sweet aromatic base that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the meat and beans.
- Pork and Beans: The classic base for baked beans, bringing a familiar, comforting sweetness and a saucy texture.
- Red Kidney Beans: Contributes a substantial, earthy flavor and a pleasing firmness, adding to the “three bean” variety.
- Butter Beans: Offers a creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet taste, balancing the other bean types.
- Light Brown Sugar: Essential for that signature sweet and savory balance, providing a molasses-rich sweetness.
- Ketchup: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet tomato base, typical of beloved BBQ flavors.
- Yellow Mustard: Introduces a subtle tang and a slight kick, enhancing the overall savory profile without overpowering.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for deep umami flavor, adding complexity and depth to the sauce.
This delicious medley of three distinct bean varieties, combined with the savory richness of ground beef and bacon, and a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce, ensures a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s an easy recipe that requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy schedules, and it can even be made ahead for ultimate convenience.
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Perfect Casserole
Creating this Baked Three Bean Casserole is incredibly straightforward, thanks to its one-pot nature. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:
- Prepare Your Oven and Bacon: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large Dutch oven or a deep braiser, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until it reaches a beautiful crispness. Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, reserving all but two tablespoons of the flavorful bacon fat in the pot.
- Brown the Beef and Onions: Add your ground beef and chopped yellow onion to the same pot with the remaining bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is thoroughly browned and no longer pink inside. The onions should become tender and translucent. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot to ensure your casserole isn’t greasy.
- Combine and Bake: Now for the easy part! Add all the remaining ingredients to the Dutch oven, including the cooked bacon. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the beans and seasonings are well combined and coated in the savory sauce. You can choose to bake it right in the Dutch oven for minimal cleanup, or transfer it to a separate casserole dish if you prefer a more decorative presentation. Bake for 35 minutes until bubbly and heated through, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
That’s all there is to it! Just make it, bake it, and serve it right out of the Dutch oven for a rustic and convenient approach. We truly hope these beans become as cherished a part of your next BBQ as they have been at ours for so many years. Enjoy your holiday weekend and savor every delicious bite!
If you decide to give this incredible recipe a try, please don’t hesitate to let us know your thoughts. Feel free to drop a comment below with any questions or feedback. Enjoy the process and the amazing flavors!
Chef’s Tips for Baked Three Bean Casserole Success
- Bean Varieties: While the recipe calls for light red kidney beans, feel free to use dark red kidney beans if that’s what you have on hand or prefer. Both will yield excellent results.
- Adjusting Sweetness: The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of firmly packed light brown sugar. If you prefer a less sweet casserole, simply don’t pack your sugar as tightly when measuring, or reduce the amount slightly to taste. For a touch more sweetness, a tablespoon of maple syrup or molasses can also be added.
- Make-Ahead & Storage: This casserole is fantastic for making ahead. Assemble all ingredients in your Dutch oven or baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, increase the baking time slightly as it will be starting from cold. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Serving Temperature: While delicious hot, this casserole also tastes wonderful warm or even at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks and buffets where food might sit out for a bit.
For visual learners, a recipe video showcasing the preparation of this Baked Three Bean Casserole is typically available and can guide you through each step with ease.
More Delicious Summer Recipes to Enjoy
Looking for other fantastic dishes to complete your summer feast? Check out these equally delightful recipes that pair wonderfully with any BBQ spread:
- Cheesy Italian Baked Beans
- Cheesy Kansas City-Style Corn
- Corn Maque Choux
Baked Three Bean Casserole
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Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bacon, chopped
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 28-oz. can pork and beans
- 1 20-oz. light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 20-oz. can butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160°C). In a large Dutch oven or deep braiser, over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove from pot with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Remove all but two tablespoons of bacon fat from pot. Add ground beef and onions and cook over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain fat.
- Add all other ingredients and the cooked bacon to the pot. Mix well. Bake for 35 minutes.
Notes
I add 1/2 cup light brown sugar firmly packed, but if you like things less sweet don’t pack your sugar.
Nutrition
Before your first bite, snap a photo and share!If you make this recipe, I’d love to see! Be sure to follow thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram and tag Mention @thebeachhousekitchen or tag #thebeachhousekitchen!
Adapted from Casseroles, Casseroles, Casseroles Cookbook