Beans and Franks - Broke Food

Ever have one of those days where you walk to the fridge, open it, there's nothing there... and then 20 minutes later you walk back and repeat the action?  As if somehow something appealing magically appeared during that 20 minute interval.  Then maybe you go to your pantry and do the same thing, and still find nothing?  This old-fashioned favorite might be the solution. 

This is definitely a comfort mood in addition to being broke food.  Plus, tell me you don't have the movie Something About Mary going through your head right now!  Beans and franks are fun, they're delicious, and best of all, they're easy to make and qualify as broke food. 

Beans and Franks 

2 16 oz. cans pork and beans

1 package hotdogs, franks, weenies, wieners, whatever you call them (about 6-8)

1/2  to 2/3 cup barbecue sauce, your choice

1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

1/2 medium onion, chopped, or 1 tablespoon minced dried onion (optional)

For the oven version of this, place all items in a casserole, combine, and cook at 350 degrees for 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until sauce thickens.

For the stovetop version, add all ingredients to a large saucepan.  Heat until bubbles form in mixture, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically to keep mixture from sticking. 

For the microwave version of this, place in a microwave safe casserole.  Cover and microwave on high for 15 minutes, stirring at 5 minute intervals or until heated through and mixture has "boiled down." 

Alternative Recipe 

2 14.5 to 16 oz. cans white beans, navy beans, or pinto beans (in a pinch), drained and rinsed

1/2 cup ketchup

1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons prepared mustard or spicy brown mustard

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 medium onion chopped/minced or 1-2 tablespoons minced dried onion

1 package hotdogs cut into medallions

salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients and follow baking, stovetop, or microwave directions noted above.