Betty's 3-Bean Hot Dish (a la Minnesota) Recipe

Cook Time: 80 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

• pound bacon
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 (15 ounce) can pork and beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can butter beans, drained
• cup ketchup
• cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Directions

Step 1: Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and crumble when cooled. Wipe out skillet with a paper towel.

Step 2: Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and clear, about 5 minutes more.

Step 3: Combine the cooked bacon, ground beef, pork and beans, kidney beans, butter beans, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard in a slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Set the slow cooker to High and cook until everything is heated through, about 1 hour.

Recipe Tip

For stovetop cooking, add the cooked meat and all other ingredients to a large skillet. Simmer over medium heat until heated through, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	360
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	44mg
Sodium	810mg
Total Carbohydrate	45g
Dietary Fiber	8g
Total Sugars	22g
Protein	20g
Vitamin C	5mg
Calcium	87mg
Iron	4mg
Potassium	379mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Betty's 3-Bean Hot Dish is a comforting, hearty dish that holds a special place in the culinary traditions of the Upper Midwest. Known for its combination of savory flavors, it is a perfect meal for family gatherings, potlucks, and even casual weeknight dinners. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served either in the oven or a slow cooker, making it both versatile and practical for busy cooks.

History of Origin

The 3-Bean Hot Dish is a classic Midwestern recipe with roots in Minnesota, where it is a staple comfort food. The term "hot dish" is often used in the region to describe casseroles or baked dishes. Hot dishes like this one are known for their use of inexpensive ingredients such as beans, ground meat, and canned goods, making them a popular choice in the rural Midwest. While it's not exclusively tied to Minnesota, this specific version incorporating pork and beans, kidney beans, and butter beans has been embraced in Minnesota households for generations, especially during gatherings or church socials.

Regional Characteristics

Hot dishes are a hallmark of Minnesota's culinary culture, and this three-bean variation highlights the region's preference for hearty, simple comfort foods. The dish typically combines beans, ground beef, bacon, and a sweet-sour sauce made of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. The use of bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor, which is a beloved ingredient in many Midwestern recipes. Its also commonly made in large batches, perfect for feeding a crowd, whether at a family reunion or a potluck dinner.

Difference from Similar Dishes

Although Betty's 3-Bean Hot Dish shares similarities with other bean-based casseroles or baked beans dishes, it stands out due to the combination of three distinct types of beans: pork and beans, kidney beans, and butter beans. This variation gives it a unique texture and depth of flavor that distinguishes it from other versions like the more common baked beans recipe, which often uses only one type of bean. Additionally, the inclusion of both ground beef and bacon provides a heartier protein base, setting it apart from vegetarian versions of bean dishes.

Where Its Typically Served

Betty's 3-Bean Hot Dish is traditionally served in Minnesota and surrounding areas at family gatherings, church picnics, and potluck dinners. Its versatility makes it suitable as both a main course and a side dish. It is particularly popular at events where food is made in large quantities, as it is easy to prepare in advance and keeps well in a slow cooker or warming dish. Its also a favorite for tailgates and holiday meals, offering a satisfying and filling option for guests.

Interesting Facts

• The term "hot dish" is a Minnesota-specific term that refers to casserole-style meals that are often prepared with a starch, protein, and vegetable.
• While beans are a key ingredient, hot dishes like this one can vary greatly depending on the household and the region, with some recipes calling for different meats or seasonings.
• Bettys 3-Bean Hot Dish is known for its flexibility; you can adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar, or switch out the beans for other varieties like black beans or garbanzo beans.
• Its a dish that can easily be adapted to different dietary needs, such as substituting ground turkey for beef or omitting bacon for a vegetarian version.
• This dish, like many Midwestern recipes, reflects the cultural emphasis on hearty, filling meals that can feed large groups of people affordably.

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