Barbecue Bean Bake
A hearty and flavorful baked bean dish combining smoky bacon, ground beef, and a rich barbecue sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a comforting blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with a satisfying texture. Great served with cornbread or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. chopped bacon ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans red kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans pork and beans ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans butter beans
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown and drain ground beef, chopped bacon, and chopped onion.
- Add ketchup, barbecue sauce, salt, prepared mustard, molasses, chili powder, and pepper. Stir well.
- Add drained beans and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke to the mixture. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute ground turkey for beef and turkey bacon for a lighter twist. You can also use canned beans of your choice if you prefer different varieties. Make sure to drain and rinse all beans to reduce sodium content.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Barbecue Bean Bake hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside coleslaw or baked potatoes. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potluck events.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, or place in an oven-safe dish and heat at 350°F until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Bean Bake contains roughly 485 calories, with 13g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1069mg per serving (46% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply follow the instructions up to baking, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite beans. Black beans or pinto beans can make great additions or substitutes for the kidney and butter beans. Just ensure you use a total of 4 cans of beans.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, this Barbecue Bean Bake is perfect for serving a larger group. You can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish. It's a crowd-pleaser and works well for gatherings, alongside other American recipes like Barbecued Beefies.
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).