Okay, picture this: Thanksgiving, the aroma of turkey wafting through the air, and this bubbling, golden-brown Three-Bean Casserole sitting right next to the mashed potatoes. Honestly, sometimes I think it’s even more popular than the stuffing! This is one of those dishes that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, and it’s ridiculously easy to throw together. It’s kind of like the green bean casserole, but, dare I say, even BETTER! Because, you know, beans.
What is a three-bean casserole?
Alright, so let’s break it down. Three-Bean Casserole is essentially a comforting side dish (or even a light meal on its own!) featuring, you guessed it, three different types of beans. Typically, you’ll find Green Beans (because, casserole tradition!), kidney beans, and some other bean, like butter beans or great northerns. It’s all mixed in a sweet and tangy sauce, often featuring brown sugar and ketchup, then baked until bubbly and delicious. Think of it as a slightly sweet, slightly smoky, totally addictive bean party in a casserole dish. It’s been a staple at potlucks and holiday gatherings for generations, and for good reason! It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? First off, the flavor is incredible. The combination of the beans, the tangy sauce, and that hint of sweetness is just… chef’s kiss! What I love most about this Three-Bean Casserole Recipe is that it’s deceptively easy to make. Seriously, you can have it prepped and in the oven in under 15 minutes. It’s also super cost-effective. Canned beans are pantry staples, and the other ingredients are likely things you already have on hand. Plus, it’s ridiculously versatile! You can serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or pork, bring it to a potluck, or even enjoy it as a comforting lunch on its own. I’ve even been known to sneak a spoonful straight from the fridge (don’t judge!). If you’re a fan of classic comfort food like baked beans, you’ll absolutely adore this recipe. It’s a step up, with layers of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. And, honestly, it’s way easier than making baked beans from scratch. This one is a winner, trust me.
How do I make three-bean casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Three-Bean Casserole Recipe is a breeze! Basically, you’re just draining and rinsing your beans, whisking together a simple sauce, combining everything in a baking dish, and popping it in the oven. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s almost impossible to mess up. Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can totally nail this. The active time is minimal, so you can focus on other dishes while it bakes. And the result? A delicious, comforting casserole that everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Casserole: What
* 1 (15-ounce) can green beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans (or great northern beans), drained and rinsed. I really recommend butter beans if you can find them; they add a wonderful creaminess.
* 1 small onion, chopped finely. Yellow or white onion works great.
* 1/2 cup ketchup. Don’t skimp on quality here!
* 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed. Light or dark brown sugar works fine.
* 2 tablespoons Apple Cider vinegar. This adds the perfect tang.
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Adds a little depth and zing.
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. This is my secret ingredient! It gives a hint of smokiness that really elevates the dish.
* Salt and pepper to taste.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use a little butter, but cooking spray works too. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make clean-up a lot easier. Make sure you get all the corners! I always do this first so the pan is ready to go when I need it.
Step 2: Combine Beans and Onion
In a large bowl, combine the drained and rinsed Green Beans, kidney beans and butter beans. Set aside. Add the chopped onion to the bowl. Give everything a good stir to make sure the onion is evenly distributed throughout the beans.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt. Set aside. What is smoked Whisk until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. How do you cook beans in the sauce? How do you add sugar to a casserole?
Step 4: Combine Sauce with Beans
Pour the sauce over the bean mixture and stir well to coat. Make sure every bean is covered in sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you cannot take it away, so start with a small batch. Little and adjust as needed. I usually add about 12 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of pepper, but it depends on my mood (and the mood of the person) How salty is ketchup?
Step 5: Bake
What is the best way to spread the bean mixture in a baking dish? Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the sauce has thickened slightly. The top should be slightly browned and caramelized. I usually check it around 30 minutes and then add more time if needed. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it!
Step 6: Cool Slightly & Serve
How do I remove a casserole from the oven and let it cool for ten minutes before serving? How do you make the sauce thicker? I’ve been there! ) Serve warm and enjoy! I love adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley to my salad. It’s really easy to do.
What should I serve it with?
This Three-Bean Casserole Recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can pair it with a variety of other dishes.
For a Holiday Feast:What are some great Thanksgiving side dishes? What are some good side dishes to serve with ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and all the traditional fixings? What are some of the best casseroles that balance out the savory flavors of other dishes?
What are some ideas for a summer BBQ?What are some good ways to serve this on a barbecue? I like to serve this with coleslaw and corn on the cob for a complete summer meal.
What is a simple weeknight dinner?What is a good side dish for chicken? What are some good side dishes to serve with a salad?
For a Potluck:What is a good potluck dish? Can I serve it warm or at room temperature? I’ve seen people fight over the last scoop!
My family tradition? We always have this alongside our Christmas ham. What would life be like without it?
How do I make a three-bean casserole?
What are some of the best ways to take a three-bean casserole to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?
What is the Bean SelectionFeel free to experiment with different types of beans! Cannellini beans, pinto beans or even black beans would all work well. Make sure to use a total of three cans of beans.
Onion Prep:Why don’t you skip the onion? It adds a crucial layer of flavor. Make sure to chop it finely so it cooks through evenly. If you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can sauté it in butter before adding it to the beans.
Sauce Customization: HowAdjust the sweetness to your liking! If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of brown sugar. Add a tablespoon of molasses to your favorite soup for dipping.
Smoked papWhat is the best smoked paprika in this dish? If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular.
Baking Time:What is the best way to keep an eye on a casserole while it’s baking? You want the sauce to be bubbly and slightly thickened, and the top to have lightly browned. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish with foil.
Add-Ins:How can I get creative with add-ins? What are some good ways to serve bacon, ham, or even a sprinkle of cheddar cheese? My grandma used to add a can of diced tomatoes, which was surprisingly good!
One time, I accidentally used chili sauce instead of ketchup, and it actually turned out amazing! Is there a kick to this song? I sometimes add a tablespoon of chili sauce on purpose for extra zing. Can it get spicy?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house! ), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: RoomI wouldn’t recommend leaving this casserole at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly in warmer temperatures.
Refrigerator Storage: HowCan you store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? Make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Microwaving is faster, but the oven will give you a better texture.
The glaze is fine to store in the fridge or freezer and won’t affect the quality of the casserole. I usually make it ahead of time and store it separately, but you can definitely store it already glazed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Three-Bean Casserole Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a taste of home, a reminder of family gatherings, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s one of those recipes that I know I can always rely on to bring a smile to everyone’s face. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. If you’re looking for other easy and comforting side dishes, be sure to check out my recipes for Creamy Mac and Cheese and Classic Potato Salad! I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I know you and your family will love it as much as mine does. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Three-Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup green beans trimmed
- 1 cup kidney beans canned, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cannellini beans canned, rinsed and drained
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 0.5 cup milk
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup French fried onions for topping
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the green beans, kidney beans, and cannellini beans.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and milk. Bring to a simmer.
- Pour sauce over beans. Stir in cheddar cheese.
- Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with French fried onions.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
