Grandma's Tangy 4-Bean Casserole with Savory Beef
This delightfully hearty casserole combines four distinct types of beans, savory ground beef, and crispy bacon, all smothered in a tangy, BBQ-infused sauce. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home, this dish is a nostalgic favorite passed down from my mom, with a few delicious tweaks of my own. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes each bite a treat, ensuring this casserole will be a hit with family and friends alike. Serve it with cornbread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Country Style Bush's Baked Beans
28 ounces (canned)
Lima Beans
15 ounces (canned and drained)
Kidney Beans
15 ounces (canned and drained)
Butter Beans
15 ounces (canned and drained)
Bacon
8 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Brown Sugar
1 cup (packed)
Lemon Juice or Vinegar
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed or bottled)
Dry Mustard
1 teaspoon (dry)
Ketchup
1/2 cup (regular)
Ground Beef
1 pound (browned and drained)
Molasses
2 tablespoons (regular)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from skillet, crumble, and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3
While the beef is cooking, drain and rinse all beans except for the baked beans to remove excess sodium.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon, browned beef and onion, country style baked beans, lima beans, kidney beans, butter beans, brown sugar, lemon juice or vinegar, dry mustard, ketchup, and molasses. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
5
You can either transfer the mixture to a crock pot and cook on low for at least 2 hours, or place it in an oven-safe dish and bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour.
6
Once done, allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Tangy 4-Bean Casserole with Savory Beef?
It is a hearty casserole that combines four types of beans, ground beef, and crispy bacon in a tangy, BBQ-infused sauce.
How many types of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for four distinct types of beans: baked beans, lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans.
Do I need to drain the beans before mixing?
Yes, you should drain and rinse the lima, kidney, and butter beans to remove excess sodium. Do not drain the country style baked beans.
Which brand of baked beans is recommended?
The recipe specifically mentions using 28 ounces of Country Style Bush's Baked Beans.
What meat is included in the casserole?
The recipe includes 1 pound of ground beef and 8 slices of bacon.
How should the bacon be prepared?
Cook the bacon in a large skillet until it is crispy, then remove it from the skillet and crumble it before adding to the mix.
How is the ground beef prepared?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet with a chopped onion until fully cooked, then drain the excess fat.
What ingredients make the sauce tangy?
The tanginess comes from a combination of lemon juice or vinegar, dry mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar.
Can I use vinegar instead of lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/3 cup of lemon juice or 1/3 cup of vinegar.
What role does molasses play in this recipe?
Two tablespoons of molasses are added to provide a deep, rich sweetness and help create the BBQ-infused flavor profile.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
Is dry mustard necessary?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard is used to add a bit of sharp flavor and complexity to the sauce.
Can I cook this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can transfer the mixture to a crock pot and cook it on low for at least 2 hours.
What are the oven baking instructions?
Bake the casserole uncovered in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour.
Should the casserole be covered while baking in the oven?
No, the instructions specify to bake the dish uncovered.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 10 servings.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its hearty nature and nostalgic flavor make it a perfect dish for potlucks and family gatherings.
What side dishes go well with this bean casserole?
It is recommended to serve this casserole with cornbread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While the recipe calls for one chopped onion, you can use yellow, white, or red onion depending on your preference.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 main ingredients used in this recipe.
How much ketchup is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of regular ketchup.
What size cans of beans should I buy?
The lima, kidney, and butter beans should be 15-ounce cans, while the baked beans should be a 28-ounce can.
Do I need to rinse the baked beans?
No, do not rinse or drain the baked beans; their sauce is part of the casserole base.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can brown the meat and mix the ingredients ahead of time, then refrigerate until you are ready to bake or slow cook.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is tangy and savory rather than spicy. You could add chili flakes if you prefer heat.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Why do I need to drain the fat from the beef?
Draining the fat prevents the casserole from becoming overly greasy or oily after baking.
How long should the casserole cool before serving?
Allow the dish to cool slightly for about 5 to 10 minutes to let the sauce thicken before serving.