Trisha Yearwood’s Baked Bean Casserole

An Hearty Twist on a Classic: Trisha Yearwood’s Baked Bean Casserole

Baked beans from a can are great. But baked beans made even heartier with the addition of ground beef and a few other goodies and then baked into a casserole? Well, that’s just brilliant. And we have country singer Trisha Yearwood to thank for it. In this recipe, she takes that sweet and savory flavor of baked beans and makes an entire meal of it. It’s easy, it’s hearty, and it’s truly good eatin’.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is a delightful twist on traditional baked beans, transforming them into a satisfying main course. It’s quick to prepare, using convenient canned beans, and it’s packed with flavor from the addition of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a medley of sauces. The combination of sweet and smoky flavors is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large saucepan
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Nonstick spray
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
• 2 (16 oz each) cans pork and beans
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 6 to 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a large saucepan, brown the ground beef with the onions and bell pepper until the beef is no longer pink.
3. Add the pork and beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the chopped bacon over the top.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Allow the casserole to stand for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

For the best results, make sure to finely chop your onions and bell pepper to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients. Also, using lean ground beef helps keep the dish from becoming overly greasy.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to customize the casserole by adding some heat with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein and omit the bacon.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This baked bean casserole is a hearty meal rich in protein and fiber, thanks to the combination of beans and beef. While it does contain sugars from the sauces, you can adjust these to taste or opt for reduced-sugar versions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I prepare this casserole in advance? Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

Trisha Yearwood’s Baked Bean Casserole is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Don’t forget to share your experience and any tweaks you made to the recipe. Enjoy!