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A Hotdish known in other places as a casserole is a type of baked meal that hails from the Mid-West, specifically North Dakota and Minnesota. It generally involves a starch or protein that is baked together with a canned vegetable; this five-bean casserole is the perfect example of a hotdish, consisting of both beans and bacon. This dish will warm you right up and is perfect for get-togethers and family dinners; the only exertion involves operating a can-opener and watching the bacon to keep it from burning! This tasty side is hearty and filling, perfect for colder months.

5 Bean Hotdish

Serves 10-12

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound bacon
  • 1 (15 oz.) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz.) can lima beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz.) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz.) can white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz.) can navy beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium white onion, diced
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350º F.
  2. Cook bacon in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Once crispy, set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  3. Add diced onion to bacon fat, season with salt and garlic powder, and cook until soft and translucent.
  4. In a large roasting pot, combine beans, onions, brown sugar, cider vinegar and bacon (crumbled into pieces). Stir well.
  5. Cover and bake for 80-90 minutes. Stir again and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes.
  6. Stir well and serve hot.

Recipe adapted from One Good Thing