Bar-B-Que Beans
Bar-B-Que Beans feature tender pinto beans simmered in a smoky, tangy sauce with bacon, perfect as a hearty side or casual main for gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 (15oz.) cans pinto beans with liquid ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1/3 c. white vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. diced onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. coarse ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded pork or cooked sliced bacon ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
- Pour the entire contents of the cans of pinto beans into a casserole with a lid.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Add this cornstarch solution to the beans and stir well.
- Add ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, diced onion, prepared mustard, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and shredded pork or bacon to the dish, then stir well.
- Cover the casserole and bake for 90 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, let the beans bake a bit longer, uncovered, after the initial 90 minutes. You can substitute canned black beans or kidney beans if you prefer a different flavor. If you want a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Using leftover pulled pork can enhance the dish's flavor and save time.
Serving Suggestions
These Bar-B-Que Beans are delicious served alongside Country Style Cornbread or as a hearty side to grilled meats. Consider pairing them with Hot Baked Stuffed Potatoes for a satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh herbs or serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, adding a splash of water if the beans seem dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bar-B-Que Beans contains roughly 805 calories, with 1g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value), calcium (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1635mg per serving (71% 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?
Yes, you can use dried pinto beans. However, you will need to soak and cook them beforehand, which takes longer. Use about 1 ½ cups of dried beans and cook them until tender before following the rest of the recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the shredded pork or bacon and consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture. You can also use a vegetarian barbecue sauce for flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the beans?
You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the brown sugar amount to your taste. For a less sweet version, start with half the sugar and gradually add until you reach your desired flavor. Maple syrup can also be used as a natural sweetener alternative.
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).