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These easy Beanie Weenies, also known as Franks and Beans, are a sweet, savory, nostalgic dinner made with sliced hot dogs, baked beans, brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder. Everything simmers together in one skillet until the hot dogs are browned and the beans are warm, saucy, and full of flavor.
Table of Contents
- Kellie’s Note Spilling The Beans
- Ingredients for Beanie Weenies
- How to Make Beanie Weenies
- Tips for the Best Beanie Weenies
- How to Store Leftovers
- Best Hot Dogs for Beanie Weenies
- Beanie Weenie Variations and Toppings
- Slow Cooker Beanie Weenies
- Oven-Baked Beanie Weenies
- What to Serve with Beanie Weenies
- Best Side Dish Ideas for Beanie Weenies
- More Easy Hot Dog Recipes
- Beanie Weenies Recipe
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!
– Mark
Kellie’s Note
Spilling The Beans
When I’m cooking for my picky eaters, there are only so many options. Luckily, my tried and true beanie weenies recipe (also known as franks and beans) has gotten me through even the busiest nights with my kids! 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 is a favorite for my husband, too!
This is the kind of quick family dinner that works for busy weeknights, camping meals, picky eaters, and anyone who still loves a childhood classic. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and ready in about 30 minutes. You’re going to love it as much as we do.
Ingredients for Beanie Weenies
- Hot Dogs – All-beef hot dogs are my favorite, but turkey dogs, pork hot dogs, plant-based hot dogs, kielbasa, smoked sausage, or cocktail weenies all work. Browning them first gives this recipe the best flavor.
- Baked Beans – Use your favorite canned baked beans for the easiest version. Pork and beans also work if you want a more classic Franks and Beans flavor. If you’re feeling more homemade, try my homemade Baked Beans with Bacon.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps make the sauce rich and glossy. If your baked beans are already very sweet, you can use a little less.
- Mustard – Classic yellow mustard keeps the flavor nostalgic, but Dijon, spicy brown mustard, or whole grain mustard can be used for a tangier version.
- Garlic Powder – Adds savory flavor without any chopping. You can also add onion powder, smoked paprika, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Parsley – Optional, but it adds a fresh finish right before serving.
For the full ingredient list and exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
How to Make Beanie Weenies
- Brown the hot dogs. Add the sliced hot dogs to a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned around the edges.
- Add the beans and seasonings. Stir in the baked beans, brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder.
- Simmer. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are hot and the sauce is slightly thickened and glossy.
- Serve. Sprinkle with parsley, if using, and serve warm with toast points, cornbread, crackers, or bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Beanie Weenies
- Brown the hot dogs before adding the beans. This quick step adds caramelized flavor and keeps the dish from tasting like canned beanie weenies.
- Let the beans simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. You’re looking for bubbling beans, warm hot dogs, and a glossy sauce that coats everything.
- Taste before serving. Some baked beans are sweeter or saltier than others, so you can adjust with a little more mustard for tang, brown sugar for sweetness, or hot sauce for heat.
How to Store Leftovers
- Store leftover Beanie Weenies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For smaller portions, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm.
- To freeze, let the Beanie Weenies cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Best Hot Dogs for Beanie Weenies
I usually reach for all-beef hot dogs because they have great flavor and brown nicely in the skillet. That said, this recipe is flexible, so use what your family loves.
Turkey dogs, pork hot dogs, plant-based hot dogs, cheese-filled hot dogs, smoked sausage, kielbasa, and cocktail weenies all work well. For a heartier version, smoked sausage or kielbasa adds a little extra smoky flavor.
Beanie Weenie Variations and Toppings
- Lighter: Use turkey dogs or plant-based hot dogs.
- Smoky: Add cooked bacon, smoked paprika, or a small splash of liquid smoke.
- Spicy: Stir in hot sauce, diced jalapeños, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or spicy mustard.
- Cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top just before serving.
- BBQ Style: Add a spoonful of barbecue sauce for a sweeter, smokier flavor.
- Heartier: Swap the hot dogs for kielbasa, smoked sausage, or cocktail weenies.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes.
Slow Cooker Beanie Weenies
To make Beanie Weenies in the slow cooker, brown the sliced hot dogs first if you have time. Add the hot dogs, baked beans, brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Cook on low for 2–4 hours, until hot and bubbling. Stir before serving.
Oven-Baked Beanie Weenies
To bake Beanie Weenies, stir the hot dogs, baked beans, brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder together in a greased baking dish.
Bake at 350°F for 30–40 minutes, or until the beans are hot and bubbling. For extra flavor, brown the hot dogs in a skillet before baking.
What to Serve with Beanie Weenies
Beanie Weenies are hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but they’re even better with something for dipping or something fresh on the side.
Serve them with cornbread, toast points, garlic bread, crackers, coleslaw, a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or potatoes.
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
- chef's knife
- cutting board
- spatula
- measuring spoons
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 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon olive oil, optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Add the olive oil, if using, to a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced hot dogs 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 gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot, bubbling, and slightly thickened.
- Garnish with parsley, if using, and serve warm.
Notes
- Beanie Weenies are also known as Franks and Beans. For the best flavor, brown the hot dogs before adding the beans.
- Make ahead: This recipe can be made up to 48 hours in advance and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Slow cooker: Combine the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2–4 hours, until hot and bubbling. Brown the hot dogs first for the best flavor.
- Oven-baked: Add the ingredients to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30–40 minutes, or until hot and bubbling.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Beanie Weenies are a classic dish made with sliced hot dogs and beans, usually baked beans or pork and beans. They’re also commonly called Franks and Beans.
Yes. Beanie Weenies and Franks and Beans are two names for the same basic dish of hot dogs simmered with beans in a sweet and savory sauce.
Yes. Make them up to 48 hours in advance, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Never had this until starting high school, back in 1972, turned into a fave then, so from 72 to 75 it was a frequent lunch! Still make it off and on at 68 years old! We have added onion, garlic, peppers and even make it spicy! Use hotdogs and sausages even. Chicago Reds are best hotdogs!
I’ve never tried Chicago Reds, I’ll have to hunt them down here on the east coast.
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.