This recipe for Easy Franks and Beans is a super-easy-to-make side dish that brings back nostalgic memories of backyard cookouts and church potlucks. Hot dogs, baked beans, pineapple, cinnamon and a splash of steak sauce might sound like an unexpected combo, but together, they create an unmistakable retro flavor that kids and grownups love!
Jump to:
⭐ Why Melinda Loves Easy Franks and Beans
Super easy to assemble. No chopping. (Besides the "franks," the hot dogs!)
It's a popular side dish that feeds a crowd. Serve alongside Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls. Ideal for potlucks.
The sweet-and-savory combo hits all the right notes and it goes great with everything from grilled chicken to a Sunday pot roast and a homemade Red Potato Salad.
🥘Ingredients to Have on Hand
I hesitate to even call this a recipe since it's so easy! But this is a classic BBQ side dish that's quick to pull together. No need to add sugar or condiments. All it takes is a few minutes of prep and into the oven it goes. The flavor is a perfect mix of sweet, savory and smoky.
Baked Beans: Use your favorite brand. I personally like Bush's Best baked beans, in particular the vegetarian and homestyle varieties.
Hot dogs: These are the "franks" in the recipe. I like to use a package of bun-length hot dogs but you could use whichever brand of hot dogs you enjoy. Any extra hot dogs? Be sure to serve them with tangy Pickle de Gallo for a unique topping! Or make a batch of Corn Dog Nuggets.
Pineapple: I recommend either canned pineapple chunks or tidbits. Both are bite-sized and add a punch of sweetness to this savory baked bean dish.
Cinnamon: This is the secret ingredient that adds just a touch of subtle seasoning without overpowering the sweetness of the baked bean sauce. It's a game changer!
Steak Sauce: A mere tablespoon of your favorite steak sauce boosts the savory flavor of the hot dogs.
Scroll to the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
🍍Substitutions
Here are some tweaks you can make to the Easy Franks and Beans recipe to make it just the right amount of sweet and savory for your family.
Swap the hot dogs for smoked sausage or kielbasa for a more grown-up flavor. Or, after baking, top the casserole with cooked and crumbled bacon. If you enjoy the savory flavor of kielbasa, be sure to try my recipe for Grown-Up Kids in a Blanket!
Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce instead of steak sauce for a smoother, richer flavor boost. Add up to ½ cup of BBQ sauce instead of the 1 tablespoon of steak sauce.
Add a dash of hot sauce or a few tablespoons of diced jalapeño if you like a little kick.
👩🏻🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the hot dogs or "franks" in a skillet over medium heat until heated and browned lightly.
Step 2: Dice the hot dogs into small, bite-sized chunks.
Step 3: Pour the contents of the cans of baked beans into a medium-sized bowl, drain the canned pineapple and add it to the baked beans. Add the diced hot dogs, cinnamon and steak sauce.
Step 4: Pour the ingredients into a large baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.
⭐Pro Tip
For extra thick beans and franks, drain some of the saucy liquid from the canned baked beans before combining the ingredients.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, that's a delicious option!
In my experience, heating the hot dogs or "franks" in the skillet before slicing and adding them to the baked beans improves their flavor. But if in a rush, you could certainly skip that step. The hot dogs will heat just fine while baking in the oven.
🥘 What to Serve with Franks and Beans
Since this casserole side dish is hearty with sweet, savory and even smoky flavoring, it pairs best with simple sides that balance out the richness. Here are some great options:
My cool, Crunchy Coleslaw Recipe and Mixed Bean Salad bring a refreshing contrast to the warm, saucy casserole.
Keep it simple with a tossed green salad; mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber topped with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette. The fresh veggies help lighten up the plate.
Sides featuring veggies like Zucchini Stuffing, Homemade Creamed Corn and Pan-Roasted Asparagus are great choices. Their natural freshness plays nicely with the flavors in the baked beans.
Warm, crusty bread or soft Homemade Potato Rolls are great for soaking up the sweet and savory sauce from the baked beans.
🥣 Leftovers and Storage
If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), be assured, they store beautifully.
- Refrigerate: Let the Franks and Beans cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or reheat in a covered dish in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes until heated through.
⭐Pro Tip
You can freeze leftover beans and franks for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that the texture of the beans and pineapple may change and even soften slightly once thawed.
🍽 Other Tasty Side BBQ Dishes
Easy Franks and Beans is a classic and delicious side for your next potluck or BBQ, here are a few more recipes that I think you'll enjoy!
If you make Easy Franks and Beans, I'd love to hear how it turned out and if you enjoyed it. Please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and a comment below. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Recipe
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
(From Melinda!) This is a recipe my Mom made countless times back in the 1970s and I have such fond memories of it at church potlucks. I hope you enjoy this recipe too!