Beanie Weenies (Homemade Franks and Beans)

Franks and Beans, beanie weenies, hot dog beans… no matter what you call this dish, it brings back fond memories of childhood for almost all of us.

overhead shot of bowl of beanie weenies with cornbread


 

Franks and Beans are a homemade beanie weenies recipe made with real beef hot dogs and less sugar than the canned version.

Before we get started, can we get something out of the way? I keep seeing people refer to this recipe as frank and beans (singular on frank). Why? Clearly we are using more than one frank! At least I hope you are…

Why You’ll Love This Franks and Beans Recipe

A simple, nostalgic recipe that’s sure to satisfy- what’s not to love!

  • Childhood classic – Making franks and beans was always a classic camping food staple for my family growing up, and now I can make it without a campfire!
  • Less sugar – Less sugar than the store bought variety, protein from real beef hot dogs and lots of fiber from those beans! 
  • Quick and easy – Not only is this recipe done in only 20 minutes, but it also requires only 8 total ingredients for a super simple meal.
overhead shot of franks and beans on spoon

Ingredients

You will easily be able to find all of these franks and beans ingredients at your local grocery store.

  • Hot dogs – Don’t skimp on the hot dogs! Make sure to use a good, all beef variety. There are other suggestions below, too.
  • Great Northern beans – You will want to make sure these are rinsed and drained. These are the traditional beans found in baked beans.
  • Spicy mustard – You can, of course, use regular yellow mustard, but spicy mustard adds a nice kick.
  • Ketchup – You can always use your favorite store bought brand, or make your own homemade ketchup if you’d like.
  • Molasses – Molasses is what gives these beanie weenies that classic, syrupy sweet liquid with a slight bite, if you will.
  • Salt – You can add this to taste. Some ingredients have a higher salt content than others, and you don’t want this dish to become too salty.
  • Bacon strips The salty crispness of the bacon pairs  nicely with sweet brown sugar. Plus, it adds a nice crunch to an otherwise soft textured dish. Salty and sweet is one of those flavor combinations that can’t be beat.
  • Brown sugar – In addition to the molasses and ketchup, brown sugar gives a little more sweetness and flavor to the dish.

Variations

There are plenty of ways you can make this franks and beans recipe your own. Here are a few suggestions.

  • Veggies – If you want to up the vegetable content in this dish, consider adding something like diced green bell pepper, onion or diced tomatoes.
  • Seasonings – If you want to take the flavors up a notch, try adding a dash or worcestershire sauce or garlic.
  • Hot dogsIf you don’t care for all-beef hot dogs, you can certainly use tofu, chicken or pork instead. There are so many different options to really make this meal your own. I’ve even heard some folks use sausage.
  • Beans – Feel free to throw in other beans. Navy beans would be a great addition, but I would stay away from kidney beans.
  • Spicy – If you’d like to add a little spice to your life, try adding in some black pepper, green chilies, or red pepper flakes.
overhead shot of wooden spoon in skillet of beanie weenies

How to Make Franks and Beans

Making this childhood classic could not be easier.

  1. Prepare large saucepan. Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat.
  2. Cook hotdogs. Add cut hot dogs, stirring until browned.
  3. Add remaining ingredients. Then add great Northern beans, spicy mustard, ketchup, molasses, salt, bacon and brown sugar.
  4. Simmer. Continue to heat and stir until all ingredients have combined and sugar has fully dissolved.

What to Serve with Franks and Beans

Because this is a pretty sweet and carb heavy meal, I like to serve something green. some of my favorite sides to serve it with are Peas and Onions and Crunchy Baked Broccoli.

If you need something to cut some of the sweetness, you can pair these beanie weenies with a leafy green salad and you’ve got yourself a meal!

This is also a great meal to take camping. You can make it with all of your other camping favorites that are listed below.

close up angled shot of beanie weenies

Storage and Freezing

How to Store Franks and Beans

Although it doesn’t take too long to make it in the first place, you are more than welcome to make it ahead and reheat it in on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. 

Franks and beans will stay good covered and refrigerated for up to five days. 

Can I Freeze Beanie Weenies

You sure can! Package well with little air, the best way is in airtight plastic bags. It wills stay good for up to four months. 

More Camping Recipes

Camping food is some of my favorite food! Easy to make, and delicious to eat. Here are a few of our favorites.

S'mores Trail Mix uses just 5 ingredient to make a sweet, salty and crunchy snack that is perfect for on-the-go and anytime of day! #trailmixrecipes #smoresrecipes www.savoryexperiments.com

S’Mores Trail Mix

S’mores Trail Mix uses just 5 ingredient to make a sweet, salty and crunchy snack that is perfect for on-the-go and anytime of day!
See The Recipe!
overhead shot of bowl of seasoned pretzels

Spicy Ranch Pretzels

These delicious spicy ranch pretzels are an amazing snack that you can keep around just for you or that you can make to serve up at a party.
See The Recipe!
overhead of cinnamon sugar pretzels

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

These easy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels are the perfect sweet and salty snack! Ready in 45 minutes, they're great for sharing!
See The Recipe!
overhead shot of bowl of beanie weenies and cornbread with text overlay
overhead shot of bowl of beanie weenies with cornbread

Franks and Beans (Beanie Weenies)

4.67 from 53 votes
This Franks and Beans recipe is made with real beef hot dogs and less sugar than the canned version. Perfect as a quick and easy lunch or a classic camping food! 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 hot dogs , sliced
  • 30 ounces great Northern beans , rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon spicy mustard
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 bacon strips , cooked and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat.
  • Add the hot dogs, stirring until browned. They should have enough fat to not stick in cast iron.
  • Stir in the beans, spicy mustard, ketchup, molasses, salt, bacon and brown sugar. Continue to heat and stir until all of the ingredients have combined and sugar has fully dissolved.
  • Serve hot!
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 550 kcal, Carbohydrates: 77 g, Protein: 25 g, Fat: 16 g, Saturated Fat: 5 g, Cholesterol: 34 mg, Sodium: 1225 mg, Potassium: 1219 mg, Fiber: 15 g, Sugar: 23 g, Vitamin A: 75 IU, Vitamin C: 3.4 mg, Calcium: 194 mg, Iron: 6.6 mg
Author: Chef Jessica Anne
Calories: 550
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beanie weenies, beans and weenies, franks and beans
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
collage of franks and beans
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.67 from 53 votes (29 ratings without comment)

Join The Discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. 4 stars
    Exactly how I remember it tasting as a child!! I hadn’t had it in about 30 years. It was fantastic!! Thanks!