Baked Beans and Franks
A classic American comfort dish featuring savory hot dogs and sweet, tangy baked beans, all baked together into a bubbling, delicious casserole. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven and prepare the baking dish
- a.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9x9 inch baking pan.
- 2
Sauté the aromatics and franks
- a.In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the sliced hot dogs and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned.
- 3
Combine the ingredients
- a.In a large mixing bowl, add the cans of pork and beans, ketchup, packed brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is well combined. Gently fold in the cooked onions and hot dogs.
- 4
Bake the casserole
- a.Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the edges are slightly caramelized.
- 5
Rest and serve
- a.Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a smokier flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the sauce.
- 2Crisp up 4-5 strips of bacon, crumble them, and stir into the bean mixture before baking for extra savory flavor.
- 3Use high-quality, all-beef franks for the best taste and texture.
- 4This dish can be assembled up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- 5Serve with a side of cornbread, a crisp green salad, or coleslaw to make it a complete meal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños along with the onion, or stir in 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce with the ketchup.
VegetarianVegetarian
Substitute the hot dogs with plant-based sausages and use vegetarian baked beans instead of pork and beans.
BBQ StyleBBQ Style
Replace half of the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangier, smokier flavor profile.
Cheesy ToppingCheesy Topping
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking until melted and bubbly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Fiber
The beans in this dish are rich in dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Provides Protein
Both the hot dogs and the beans contribute to the protein content, which is vital for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Rich in Minerals
Beans are a natural source of important minerals like iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, and potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this recipe contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the specific brands of beans and hot dogs used.