Beanie Weenies (Franks and Beans)

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This Beanie Weenies (Franks and Beans) recipe is a modern take on a childhood favorite—a homemade version of the canned version we all grew up with, but even tastier! This great recipe is a family favorite that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner when you need something quick and comforting.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this versatile recipe is sure to please even the picky eaters in your house. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and you can enjoy the next day as the flavors get even better!

Looking for more Quick & Easy Recipes? Try our Homemade Hamburger Helper, Smashed Burger Tacos, Hamburger Hash, or Easy Rotel Pasta.

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If you’re feeling nostalgic or looking for simple meals, this is the homemade beanie weenies recipe that will bring back memories! Growing up my dad always ate his can of Beanee Weenee with saltine crackers. He just opened it and ate it straight out of the can! I don’t eat any can of beans cold, LOL!

So I love making this easy recipe and warming the leftovers up the next day. Another easy recipe I like making is Beef and Bean Tostadas.

What you’ll love about this Franks and Beans recipe:  


  • QUICK & EASY – This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
  • BUDGET-FRIENDLY – Uses affordable, basic ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • FAMILY-FRIENDLY – It’s a childhood favorite that both kids and adults will love, even for picky eaters!

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing Beanie Weenies Recipes: 

  • Hot dogs
  • Pork and beans
  • Brown sugar
  • Dark Corn Syrup
  • Dijon mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper
  • Onion powder
  • Bacon

INGREDIENT NOTES:

  • Dark Corn Syrup: This adds sweetness and thickness to the sauce. You can substitute with molasses or maple syrup if you prefer a more natural option, but dark corn syrup will give you the flavor closer to canned Beanee Weenee, as it provides the mild, processed sweetness typical of the original.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: This balances out the sweetness with a slight tang. You can substitute it with white vinegar or even lemon juice if desired.

HOW TO MAKE BEANIE WEENIES STEP-BY-STEP:

Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.

STEP 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.

STEP 2: Add the sliced hot dogs to the pan. Cook until they are lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes.

STEP 3: Add the pork and beans, brown sugar, dark corn syrup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.

STEP 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.

STEP 6: Stir in the reserved crispy bacon bits and serve.

PRO TIP:

For a sweet and smoky twist, try grilling the hot dogs before slicing them. This adds an extra layer of flavor that takes your homemade beanie weenies to the next level!

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop until heated through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Freezing: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

  • Chili powder: Add 1/2 teaspoon for a little kick of heat.
  • Cheddar cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese at the end for extra creaminess.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

  • Hot dogs: You can swap hot dogs for kielbasa, smoked sausage, or even turkey franks for a lighter option.
  • Pork and beans: Substitute with baked beans or navy beans for a different texture.

FAQs about this Beans and Franks Recipe: 

Absolutely! You can replace pork and beans with kidney beans or pinto beans for a slightly different flavor.

Yes, you can use turkey bacon if you prefer. Just keep in mind it won’t render as much fat as regular bacon, so you may need to add a little oil to the pan when cooking the hot dogs and onions.

What Can I Serve with this Franks and Beans?

Serve Beans and Franks with crackers, Cornbread, Coleslaw, fried potatoes, or green beans.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Five golden stars image.

I’m excited for you to try this Beanie Weenies (Homemade Franks and Beans) Recipe! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!

A bowl of beanie weenies with a spoon shot.

Beanie Weenies (Homemade Franks and Beans)

Vicky Hadley~Little Chef Within
This Beanie Weenies (Homemade Franks and Beans) recipe is a modern take on a childhood favorite—a homemade version of the canned version we all grew up with, but even tastier!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 393 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound hot dogs sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans pork and beans
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 slices thick-cut raw bacon diced

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
  • Add the sliced hot dogs to the pan. Cook until they are lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Add the pork and beans, brown sugar, dark corn syrup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.
  • Stir in the reserved crispy bacon bits and serve.

Notes

You can use maple syrup or molasses in place of the dark corn syrup to make it healthier!
PRO TIP: For a sweet and smoky twist, try grilling the hot dogs before slicing them. This adds an extra layer of flavor that takes your homemade beanie weenies to the next level!

Nutrition

Calories: 393kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 13gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 936mgPotassium: 261mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 256IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 3mg
Keyword 30 minute meals, baked beans, easy, easy side dish, green beans, low carb, gluten free, vegan, keto, healthy, sides, side dish, hot dogs, lunch
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3 Comments

  1. OMG I grew up on this as a kid! Such a favorite. I could never remember the recipe, just the main ingredients, so beyond excited to try this!

  2. 5 stars
    Made this for a Christmas get together with 15 family members. Everyone loved this recipe. Thank you

5 from 1 vote

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