Franks & Beans

This franks and beans recipe leans into that sweet-savory territory that makes this comfort food combo so addictive. Crushed pineapple with its juice goes right into the pot, adding a tropical sweetness that plays off the tangy chili sauce and smoky hot dogs.

The whole thing cooks in the microwave in about 8 minutes, making this one of the fastest hot dinners you can throw together on a busy weeknight. Slice the franks, dump everything in a casserole dish, and you’re eating before most ovens would finish preheating.

Stir halfway through cooking so the edges don’t overcook while the center stays cold. That two-minute rest at the end lets the heat even out and the sauce thicken up.

Pro Tips

• Slice the frankfurters into thin rounds so they heat through quickly and you get a piece in every forkful.
• Use the pineapple juice, don’t drain it. The juice thins the sauce and adds sweetness that replaces the brown sugar you’d use in a traditional recipe.
• Chili sauce (not hot sauce) is the move here. It adds a ketchup-like sweetness with just a hint of spice.
• Leftovers reheat well. Add a splash of water when microwaving the next day to loosen the thickened sauce.

Variations

• Use smoked sausage sliced into coins instead of hot dogs for a meatier version.
• Add a tablespoon of yellow mustard and a splash of Worcestershire for a more complex, tangy sauce.
• Swap canned pork and beans for vegetarian baked beans if you want to keep it pork-free (aside from the franks).