Reviewed: Jul. 18, 2012

I've made this main dish for years. It makes an excellent "dish to pass" but be prepared because everyone will ask for the recipe. You can truly use any beans you like as long as you use some pork and beans. My original recipe came from my mother many, many years ago and used all pork and beans. I like to bake up a batch of Boston Brown Bread to serve on the side. Also works well in a slow cooker.

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Reviewer:

RICHKAT

Reviewed: Jul. 18, 2012

Great recipe! There are several variations out there. It is a hearty meal all by itself and always goes over well with guys.. I use ground turkey, omit the ketchup, vinegar and sugar and add lots of spicy brown mustard and garlic to taste.

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2 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Indigo21

Reviewed: Jul. 18, 2012

I have been making this dish for years and it is always a hit wherever I bring it. It is one of those forgiving recipes...no ketchup? Add salsa? Don't like butter beans? Add black beans. As long as you keep the ratio close it is a winner. I have even left out the ground beef and added a pound of bacon and I like that best of all. Can easily put in a crock pot but I think comes out best when baked.

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6 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

marias8

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA

Living In: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Reviewed: Jul. 18, 2012

I think it behooves people to act like ladies and gentleman. No matter how old we are, we must remember our manners. It is helpful, too, to actually try a recipe before judging. Otherwise, it makes one look like a nasty, inconsiderate oaf. This was a decent stew, quick to make and perfect for a cold day.

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10 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

pmccarthy29

Reviewed: Jul. 18, 2012

If I use this recipe for the crockpot, I drain the beans. I don't drain if i am baking it.

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11 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

tazdvl30

Reviewed: Jul. 18, 2012

This is a staple at all family gatherings. My version of the recipe calls for 1 tblsp liquid smoke. I always drain and rinse my beans to remove as much salt as possible. If your mixture is a little dry after rinsing the beans, add more ketchup and prepared mustard. We add Dijon. The flavor of this dish is even better the second day after the ingredients have been allowed to marry overnight. This is an easy casserole to prepare a day ahead and put into the fridge to bake the following day. Take your casserole out of the fridge 1/2 hour before baking so it comes up to room temp. Great as a topper on baked potatoes topped with shredded cheddar cheese. Kids like to add sliced hot dogs or Wranglers to make it a main dish for them.

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Reviewer:

Susan

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Prairie City, Iowa, USA

Living In: Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Reviewed: Jul. 18, 2012

This is a good recipe, but much better if you substitute a pound of good bulk sausage (Jimmy Dean Country Mild is our favorite) instead of the ground beef. Much more umpf! We also add a cup of frozen corn. Then add a good hearty dash of Hot Sauce. Yum!!

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8 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

PBG

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Huntersville, North Carolina, USA

Reviewed: Jul. 18, 2012

This recipe has been in our family for decades (my aunt gave it to my mom probably 30+ years ago) and it is always a crowd pleaser at potlucks and BBQs. I usually substitute canned lima beans instead of butter beans, and sometimes cook a gourmet bean blend with a variety of beans, peas and lentils, instead of the canned beans, and that is great too. I don't eat beef now, so I use ground turkey instead of beef, and cut back a little on the brown sugar, but any which way you make this dish, it turns out wonderful and people want the recipe. Can't go wrong....

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Reviewer:

THEONEANDOMI

Home Town: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Reviewed: Jul. 18, 2012

Looks really good but was reluctant to consider trying because I don't eat/use ketchup and don't like beans with pork. After reading all the reviews I am looking forward to making my own small changes and enjoying this as a main course.

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2 users found this review helpful