Barbecue Bean Dish
A hearty, flavorful baked bean dish with smoky, sweet, and savory notes, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, combining ground beef, vegetables, and barbecue seasonings.
Ingredients
- 3 (16 oz.) cans pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3 tsp. ketchup ⓘ
- 3 tsp. hickory smoke
- 3 tsp. steak sauce
- barbecue spice seasoning to taste
- 3 tsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 4 or 5 large celery pieces ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion, green pepper, and celery; drain grease off.
- Saute ground beef; drain and set aside.
- Mix pork and beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, ketchup, hickory smoke, and steak sauce; stir altogether.
- Mix barbecue spice seasoning, parsley flakes, and sugar; combine well.
- Add celery, onion, green pepper, and ground beef to the bean mixture; stir together.
- Season to your taste.
- Bake at 350°F until thickened, about 35 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein. You can also use different beans such as black beans or white beans for a variation. Ensure to drain the beans well to avoid excess liquid in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue bean dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with rice or baked potatoes for a filling side. For a fun twist, consider topping it with shredded cheese or sour cream just before serving. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until warm, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Bean Dish contains roughly 968 calories, with 60g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (226% of the Daily Value), protein (121% of the Daily Value), and iron (117% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 478mg per serving (21% 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 different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the pork and kidney beans with any beans you prefer, such as black beans or pinto beans. Just keep in mind that different beans may alter the overall flavor and texture of the dish slightly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also include red pepper flakes or use a spicy barbecue sauce instead of traditional ketchup for an extra kick.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance. Just assemble everything and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it as instructed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes serving easier.
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).