How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for Picnic Beans?

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 lb. ground beef, 1 1/2 c. onion, finely chopped, 1 c. celery, finely chopped, 2 beef bouillon cubes, and more.

Is Picnic Beans suitable as meat & poultry?

Yes, Picnic Beans falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover Picnic Beans?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Picnic Beans Recipe

Name: Picnic Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 lb. ground beef; 1 1/2 c. onion, finely chopped; 1 c. celery, finely chopped; 2 beef bouillon cubes; 2/3 c. boiling water; 1 1/2 cloves minced garlic; 1 1/2 c. catsup; 3 Tbsp. prepared mustard; 1 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. pepper; 2 c. (29 oz. pack) molasses style baked beans

Try this homemade Picnic Beans recipe the whole family will love. Made with ground beef, onion, celery and boiling water. Easy step-by-step instructions…

This Picnic Beans relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as ground beef, onion, finely chopped, celery, finely chopped and beef bouillon cubes. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 1550 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Meat & Poultry

1550

kcal

Calories

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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Picnic Beans

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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Frequently Asked Questions