Barbecued Beans 'N Beef
A hearty and flavorful baked bean and beef dish with smoky, tangy, and savory notes, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (1 lb. 15 oz.) cans pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1/2 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion salt ⓘ
- 1/3 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground chuck, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 24 tiny meatballs.
- Saute the meatballs in hot oil until browned.
- Combine vinegar, water, brown sugar, dry mustard, pepper, salt, onion salt, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, chopped onion, and butter in a saucepan.
- Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes.
- Add ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika or adding chopped bacon to the meatball mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chuck with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms. You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar for a slightly sweet twist. Adjust the brown sugar based on your sweetness preference for a perfect balance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve barbecued beans 'n beef as a hearty main dish, paired with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. It also complements sides like coleslaw or grilled vegetables. For a complete feast, consider serving it alongside Elaine's Layered Salad for a refreshing contrast. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the barbecued beans 'n beef on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for about 3-5 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of water if it seems too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecued Beans 'N Beef contains roughly 540 calories, with 2g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1438mg per serving (63% 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 a different type of bean?
Absolutely! You can substitute pork and beans with other varieties like navy beans or black beans for a different flavor profile. Just ensure you adjust the seasonings accordingly, as different beans may have varying levels of sweetness and flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or incorporate finely chopped jalapeños into the meatball mixture. Additionally, a dash of hot sauce in the sauce can elevate the spice level without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply combine and heat through on the stovetop or in the oven for a quick and easy meal any night of the week.
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).