Barbecued Bean Bake
A hearty, smoky baked bean casserole with bacon, seasoned with ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar. Perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat and transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- Mix in the kidney beans, lima beans, pork and beans, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Lay bacon strips on top of the bean mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until bubbly and bacon is cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture. If you want to reduce calories, swap the hamburger for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. Feel free to customize the beans based on your preference—black beans or pinto beans can work well. Always taste the mixture before baking; you may want to adjust the sweetness with more or less brown sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Barbecued Bean Bake hot from the oven, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for color. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or No-Fat Macaroni Salad for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside cornbread or grilled vegetables to complement the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecued Bean Bake contains roughly 1203 calories, with 29g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1311mg per serving (57% 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 bean bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bean mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the bacon strips before baking. This can enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven as directed.
What can I serve with Barbecued Bean Bake?
This dish is versatile and can be served alongside various sides. Consider pairing it with coleslaw for a crunchy contrast or cornbread for a classic touch. It also goes well with grilled meats or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger with a plant-based ground meat alternative and omit the bacon. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for texture and flavor. Adjust the seasonings to enhance the overall taste, ensuring a hearty and satisfying 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).