Best Beans In The West
A hearty baked bean dish with smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and sweet, tangy barbecue flavors, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 10 slices bacon
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can butter beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces.
- Drain off excess fat from the beef.
- Add chopped onion to the beef and cook until tender.
- Cook bacon until crispy, then drain excess fat and cut into pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked beef, onions, bacon, kidney beans, pork and beans, and butter beans.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, sugar, barbecue sauce, mustard, molasses, salt, chili powder, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and meat mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground pork. If you're looking to reduce fat, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives, and add extra beans or vegetables. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by reducing the sugar or using a sugar substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Best Beans In The West with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Pair it with a side salad for a refreshing contrast, or enjoy it as a filling topping for baked potatoes. This dish also goes well with the flavor profile of Broiled Short Ribs, making it a great addition to a barbecue spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. For best results, reheat only the portion you plan to eat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Beans In The West contains roughly 478 calories, with 28g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1710mg per serving (74% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed until heated through.
What can I substitute for the kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans, you can substitute them with black beans or pinto beans. Both alternatives will provide a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure to rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the mixture to reduce sodium content.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has a mild flavor profile due to the chili powder. If you prefer it spicier, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Adjust the amount of chili powder to your taste for a customized heat level.
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).