Can I use different types of beans in this casserole?

Absolutely! Black beans, pinto beans, or navy beans make excellent substitutions. Just maintain the same total quantity of beans and remember to drain and rinse any beans that aren't specifically pork and beans.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

Use turkey bacon and lean ground turkey instead of regular bacon and beef. You can also reduce the brown sugar by half and add a diced bell pepper for extra vegetables. Serve with a large side salad to balance the meal.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the bacon and beef mixture as directed, then combine everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The texture will be slightly saucier than the oven version.

My family doesn't like things too sweet - how can I adjust this recipe?

Simply reduce the brown sugar to 2-3 tablespoons and increase the Worcestershire sauce to 2 teaspoons to maintain flavor depth while reducing sweetness. You can also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for tanginess.

Three Bean Casserole Recipe

Name: Three Bean Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1⁄2 pound bacon, chopped; 1 pound ground beef; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 ounce) can pork and beans; 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 ounce) can butter beans, drained and rinsed; 1⁄2 cup ketchup; 1⁄2 cup brown sugar; 2 tsp dry mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

This hearty Three Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory bacon, seasoned ground beef, and three types of beans in a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this protein-packed dish comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The combination of textures and the rich, smoky-sweet flavor profile will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole has something for everyone – meaty goodness from the bacon and beef, hearty beans, and a perfectly balanced sauce that’s both sweet and savory.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Budget-Friendly: Using beans as a primary ingredient makes this recipe economical while still being protein-rich and filling.
Versatile: Works as a main dish with a side salad or as a robust side dish for grilled meats and summer barbecues.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bacon: Provides a smoky, salty flavor and crispy texture contrast. The bacon fat also adds depth to the dish when used to cook the beef and onions.
Ground Beef: Forms the hearty base of the casserole. Choose lean ground beef for less fat, or regular for more flavor.
Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and texture. Yellow onions work best, but white or red can be substituted.
Garlic: Brings essential flavor depth. Fresh is best, but pre-minced garlic works in a pinch.
Pork and Beans: These come pre-seasoned in a tomato sauce, giving the casserole a headstart on flavor.
Kidney Beans: Provide a firm texture and earthy flavor. Make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
Butter Beans: Also known as lima beans, they’re larger and creamier than other beans, adding textural variety.
Ketchup: Adds tanginess and helps create the saucy texture. Use your favorite brand.
Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity and creates that classic baked bean flavor. Dark or light brown sugar both work well.
Dry Mustard: Adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor without adding liquid.
Worcestershire Sauce: This umami-packed ingredient ties all the flavors together with its complex savory notes.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Bean Casserole

Add 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce, a diced jalapeño, or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.

Vegetarian Version

Skip the bacon and beef and double up on the beans. Add some sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.

Barbecue Style

Replace the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smokier, more robust flavor profile.

Tex-Mex Twist

Add a tablespoon of chili powder, a teaspoon of cumin, and top with shredded cheddar cheese for a Southwestern flavor.

How to Make Three Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy and golden. Remove it with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving that delicious bacon fat in the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Keeping about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it into even crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute more until fragrant.

Step 3: Mix the Bean Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork and beans (with their sauce), drained and rinsed kidney beans, drained and rinsed butter beans, ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked beef mixture and about two-thirds of the crispy bacon to the bean mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute all the ingredients evenly throughout the casserole.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the entire mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon on top for a delicious garnish. Cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Finish Baking

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly with slightly caramelized edges. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Standing Time: Those 5 minutes of rest after baking allow the casserole to set up properly and the flavors to meld.
Bacon Tip: For easier cutting, place bacon in the freezer for about 15 minutes before chopping.
Bean Preparation: Rinse the kidney and butter beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and starch. This prevents the casserole from becoming too salty.
Layering Flavors: If you have time, cook the onions until they’re translucent before adding the beef for a deeper flavor profile.
Even Cooking: Use a wide, shallow baking dish rather than a deep one to ensure the casserole cooks evenly throughout.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with lighter sides like a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or corn on the cob. The contrast between the rich casserole and fresh sides creates a balanced meal.

Bread Accompaniments

Serve with cornbread, dinner rolls, or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Topping Options

Set out additional toppings like sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, or shredded cheese, allowing everyone to customize their serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this casserole even better the next day!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare up to the point of baking, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze fully cooked leftovers in portion-sized containers.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). For frozen unbaked casserole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

FAQs

Can I use different types of beans in this casserole?

Absolutely! Black beans, pinto beans, or navy beans make excellent substitutions. Just maintain the same total quantity of beans and remember to drain and rinse any beans that aren’t specifically pork and beans.
How can I make this casserole healthier?

Use turkey bacon and lean ground turkey instead of regular bacon and beef. You can also reduce the brown sugar by half and add a diced bell pepper for extra vegetables. Serve with a large side salad to balance the meal.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the bacon and beef mixture as directed, then combine everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The texture will be slightly saucier than the oven version.
My family doesn’t like things too sweet – how can I adjust this recipe?

Simply reduce the brown sugar to 2-3 tablespoons and increase the Worcestershire sauce to 2 teaspoons to maintain flavor depth while reducing sweetness. You can also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for tanginess.

Final Thoughts

This Three Bean Casserole is more than just a hearty meal—it’s a celebration of classic comfort food flavors. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky notes, plus the satisfying combination of proteins and textures, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether served as a main dish or brought along to your next gathering, this casserole proves that sometimes the most satisfying dishes are also the simplest to prepare. Give it a try this week!