3-Bean Baked Beans
3-Bean Baked Beans offer a hearty and flavorful dish combining smoky bacon, ground beef, and a rich blend of beans in a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or BBQ gatherings, this comfort food balances savory, sweet, and spicy notes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bacon chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 tsp. molasses
- 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. can butter beans drained
- 16 oz. kidney beans drained ⓘ
- 31 oz. pork and beans with liquid
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crispy, then drain the fat.
- Brown the ground beef in the bacon drippings.
- Sauté chopped onion with the beef until translucent.
- Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a 3-4 quart baking dish.
- Stir in the sugar, brown sugar, catsup, BBQ sauce, dry mustard, molasses, chili powder, and pepper.
- Add the drained butter beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans with liquid to the mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. If you're out of BBQ sauce, a mix of soy sauce and honey can work as a substitute. To enhance the savory profile, try incorporating diced bell peppers or celery. For a vegetarian version, replace the bacon and beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of the meat drippings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these 3-Bean Baked Beans as a hearty side dish at summer barbecues or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, such as chicken or ribs, and a fresh coleslaw. For a comforting meal, serve alongside cornbread or a side of coleslaw. This dish also complements a variety of American recipes, making it a versatile addition to your table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, stirring halfway through, for about 2-3 minutes. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 3-Bean Baked Beans contains roughly 403 calories, with 20g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these baked beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bean mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and bake when you're ready. This allows the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the overall taste.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, you can customize the beans based on your preference. Great Northern beans, black beans, or pinto beans can be substituted for the butter beans or kidney beans. Just ensure that the total amount of beans remains similar for the right consistency.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the mixture. You can also serve the baked beans with a side of hot sauce for those who like an extra kick. Adjust the chili powder amount according to your spice tolerance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).