Alice'S Barbecue Beans
A hearty, smoky baked bean dish with bacon, mushrooms, and onions, perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or comfort food gatherings with rich, flavorful notes.
Ingredients
- 14 oz. can lima beans ⓘ
- 48 oz. can pork and beans ⓘ
- 14 oz. can kidney beans ⓘ
- 14 oz. can pinto beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 cups maple syrup ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 12 whole cloves ⓘ
- 3 large bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 pound back bacon, cut into 1 1/2-inch strips ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 3 medium onions, thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Empty all the canned beans into a large pot.
- Add ketchup, prepared mustard, maple syrup, oregano, cloves, and bay leaves to the beans.
- Fry the bacon until slightly crispy and add it to the bean mixture.
- In the same pan used for frying bacon, cook the sliced mushrooms until browned.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until transparent, and the green peppers until they are crisp.
- Stir the cooked vegetables into the casserole dish with the beans and bacon mixture.
- Bake the casserole at 275°F (135°C) for 2 hours.
- If making multiple casseroles, freeze the unused portions and reheat later for another 2-hour bake.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular back bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh for a similar taste. You can also experiment with different beans such as black beans or cannellini beans, which can enhance the texture and flavor profile. This dish is reminiscent of Cowboy Bean Bake, making it a great option for barbecues.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Alice's Barbecue Beans as a hearty side dish at your next cookout, alongside grilled meats or burgers. They pair beautifully with Swiss Mushroom Burgers for a satisfying meal. Consider adding cornbread or a fresh salad to round out the meal. These beans also make a great filling for baked potatoes, providing a flavorful and nutritious option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Alice's Barbecue Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish, adding a splash of water if they seem too thick. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alice'S Barbecue Beans contains roughly 1206 calories, with 38g protein, 236g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (339% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1340mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
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 use dried beans instead of canned in this recipe?
Yes, you can use dried beans! Soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as dried beans will take longer to cook than canned beans.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based substitute such as smoked tempeh or liquid smoke for flavor. You can also add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
What can I do if the beans are too sweet?
If you find the beans too sweet, try balancing the flavor by adding a splash of vinegar or a teaspoon of chili powder. This can help cut through the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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).