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If you also have a little one running around the house, you’re going to love this great recipe for Beanie Weenies! It’s an easy recipe that’s so delicious that kids and grown-ups love this dish just the same. Grab a bowl of this childhood favorite meal and fall in love with it all over again!
Beanie Weenies
When you’re catering towards picky eaters, there are only so many options. Luckily, this tried and true beanie weenies recipe (also known as franks and beans) has gotten me through even the toughest of times with my little picky eater! This is one of those easy recipes that’s more than just kid-approved – it’s kid-obsessed. Just be careful, because as soon as your little one has a bowl of this stuff, it’s all they’re going to ask for for dinner.
I’d be lying if I said I only made this for kids. Honestly, even with a name like beanie weenies, this meal satisfies everyone, even adults! Sliced and browned hot dogs are stirred into baked beans that are mixed with several mouthwatering seasonings. It’s a pretty satisfying meal for people between the ages of 5 to 95! It’s sweet, savory, hearty, and classic. Truly, this is a hard dish to only have one serving of.
There’s something about this dish that makes me want to go camping. Sitting around the campfire with the family, eating beanie weenies and getting all cozy just sounds like heaven to me! This is a truly comforting dinner that comes together in just a few minutes and will make everyone at the table feel nice and warm. Make this easy weeknight dinner tonight to treat the whole family!
Ingredients
- Hot Dogs – I like to use all-beef franks but your favorite hot dog brand will work perfectly.
- Baked Beans – Regular baked beans, use your favorite brand. You can even use homemade baked beans which are so much better than the canned version.
- Brown Sugar – Most beans are already sweetened but I like to add a bit more brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Mustard – Classic yellow mustard is my go-to but dijon mustard, brown mustard or spicy mustard are great substitutes.
- Garlic Powder – You can skip the garlic powder but I like the extra flavor.
For the full ingredient list and instructions, see the recipe card below.
How to Make Beanie Weenies
- Brown. Heat olive oil in the pan (optional.) Add the sliced hot dogs to a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Stir. Stir in the can of beans, brown sugar, mustard and garlic powder.
- Simmer. Bring to a boil and reduce to low heat. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve. Serve with toast points or bread for dipping.
How to Store Leftovers
In an airtight container in the fridge, this homemade beanie weenies recipe will stay fresh for up to 2 days. This is a GREAT dish to make in advance! Sometimes, I make a big batch just to have for dinner and use the leftovers for lunch the next day.
To reheat beanie weenies, I love using the stovetop and stirring every few moments until everything it heated through evenly. However, if you have a smaller portion that you’re reheating, the microwave will work just fine.
Of course, if you’re camping (like I wish I was), you could just toss individual servings into thermoses and call it a day! I feel like this dish was just meant to be reheated in a little pot over a fire in the woods.
Best Hot Dogs for Beanie Weenies
I just use whatever hot dogs look best to me in the aisle, honestly! While I use just your average hot dog, there are plenty of other good options out there.
You could use turkey dogs, plant-based vegan dogs, or something fun like a cheese filled dog! If it looks good to you, go for it. This is a versatile recipe that can change to meet your needs!
Variations and Toppings
I get it, this is a pretty easy meal – but I like it that way! However, there are plenty of other tasty ingredients that you can toss into beanie weenies to make them even more delicious.
- Chopped white onions
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Jalapeños
- Hot sauce
- Bacon
- Liquid smoke
Best Side Dish Ideas for Beanie Weenies
More Easy Hot Dog Recipes
- The Very Best Hot Dog Chili
- Italian Style Hot Dogs with Broccoli Rabe, Provolone and Roasted Red Peppers
- How to Boil Hot Dogs
- Homemade Corn Dogs
- Coney Island Hot Dogs
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Beanie Weenies
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce package hot dogs , cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 28 ounce can baked beans with pork
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Add the hot dogs to a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Stir in the baked beans, brown sugar, mustard and garlic powder.
- Bring to a boil and turn the heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve with toast points or bread for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
A true “old school” classic that doesn’t get any easier or tastier. The toppings mentioned in the post are “a must”, as is pre-browning the weenies!!! We like have this with corn bread (or muffins)
I sometimes make a heartier version if this and call it “Beefy Beanie Weenies” by adding in 1 to 1 and 1/2 lbs. of lean ground beef sautéed with chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and S&P to taste
Thank you for sharing your “beefy” addition! I love that and will, for sure, be giving it a try!
Was making this but wished I seen this page first. I used to cook this all the time, and forgot to brown my hotdog slices first! Ugh.. Can’t wait to do it again in a week or two and try it again this way. 5 stars for a nice old school recipe I still enjoy!
Browning gives it nice caramelization and added flavor. Next time!
Can you recommend a brand of baked beans/
I’m a fan of Bush’s baked beans! But we’ve made this with Campbell’s and it’s just as tasty.
so yummy hmmhmhmhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmhmh
lookin like throw up so devious
Hmmmmmm, not sure I agree it looks like that but it is definitely YUMMMMMY!
I usually just cut up hot dogs and throw them in the pan of baked beans and heat them up. This was so much better! Browning the dogs first definitely improved them! This will be my goto recipe from now on!
Thank you so much! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
You can also put the sauce from the baked beans in a saucepan. Add 1 small chopped yellow onion. Add ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce and Braggs liquid amino. After onions have softened Add the beans and cut up hot dogs. And add fried up bacon bits too. My hubby loves it for a quick lunch with toasted bread.
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Ahhhh, yes….bacon bits! Thank you!
This is classic; reminds me of my childhood.
I just did two things differently. I keep a big bag of “holy trinity” in my freezer, which is onions, celery, and bell peppers. I sautéed a big handful of that up with the hot dogs so I could have some vegetables in it lol.
I also added a little bit of beef bouillon at the end because I wanted it slightly more savory.
Great additions I’ll definitely try!
1 Tables spoon mustard too much. Other then that, it was great
We love mustard so you can definitely pull back on the amount if you’re not as big of a fan as we are.
I love these, total comfort food! And very inexpensive to put together, and easy too.