Hamburger and Three Bean Casserole Recipe for Potluck Gatherings
This Hamburger and Three Bean Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together a combination of savory bacon, ground beef, sweet and tangy tomato sauce, and a medley of beans. It’s perfect for feeding a large crowd and ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need to satisfy a hungry group. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser and comes together in just over an hour.
Servings: 24
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Recipe Category: One-Dish Meal
Keywords: Onions, Beans, Vegetable, Meat, Potluck, For Large Groups, Oven, Easy, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 1 slice |
| Ground beef | 2 pounds |
| Onions (chopped) | 2 medium |
| Tomato sauce | 2 cups |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Dry mustard | 2 tablespoons |
| Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Lima beans (canned or frozen) | 2 cups |
| Kidney beans (canned or dried) | 2 cups |
| (Optional) other beans (e.g. black beans) | 2 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 301.9 |
| Total Fat | 15.3g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4g |
| Cholesterol | 41.5mg |
| Sodium | 666.4mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26.6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.8g |
| Sugars | 6.5g |
| Protein | 15.4g |
Instructions
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Cook the Bacon and Beef:
In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp. Once cooked, remove it from the pan, crumble, and set it aside. In the same pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat with the onions. Stir occasionally to break up the beef and allow it to brown evenly. Once the beef is fully browned, drain off any excess fat. -
-
Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, brown sugar, dry mustard, and garlic. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth. This will create a tangy, sweet sauce that will soak into the beans and meat. -
Combine Everything:
Add the tomato sauce mixture to the browned meat and onion mixture. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Butter a large 6-quart baking dish or casserole pan. Once buttered, transfer the meat and sauce mixture into the dish. Add the lima beans and kidney beans, along with any additional beans of your choice. Stir gently to mix the beans into the meat and sauce mixture. -
Bake the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the casserole is bubbly and the beans have softened. During baking, the flavors meld together, creating a delicious and filling dish. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This casserole can be served hot, straight from the oven, making it a perfect choice for gatherings.
Tips for Success
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Customizable Bean Options: While lima and kidney beans are classic choices for this casserole, feel free to experiment with other types of beans like black beans, pinto beans, or navy beans. The more variety, the better the flavor!
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Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance. Simply follow the recipe through Step 4, cover the dish, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as instructed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
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Vegetarian Version: To make this casserole vegetarian, omit the ground beef and bacon. Substitute with plant-based crumbles or additional beans for protein and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Perfect for Potlucks: This casserole is an ideal choice when feeding a large group of people, as it makes a generous 24 servings. It’s easy to prepare, transport, and serve.
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Comfort Food: The combination of savory bacon, ground beef, and beans with a sweet-tangy sauce is comfort food at its finest. It’s rich, hearty, and satisfying.
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Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, this casserole is simple to prepare and bake. It’s perfect for busy nights or large gatherings when you need something filling with minimal effort.
This Hamburger and Three Bean Casserole is bound to become a family favorite for any occasion that requires feeding a crowd. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or enjoying it as a meal at home, it’s sure to satisfy with its hearty flavors and comforting texture. Enjoy!
