Best In The West Baked Beans
A hearty baked beans dish with smoky bacon, ground beef, and sweet, tangy sauces—perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 10 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper ⓘ
- 1 can butter beans, drained
- 1 can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the bacon and drain the fat.
- Brown the ground beef and drain the fat.
- Add chopped onion to the beef and sauté for a few minutes.
- Place the beans in a large casserole dish.
- Add the cooked ground beef, bacon, and all other ingredients to the beans.
- Stir well and crumble the cooked bacon into the mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with chopped mushrooms or lentils and use vegetarian bacon. You can also adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar and molasses to your taste. This recipe can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked beans as a hearty side dish at your next barbecue or picnic; they pair beautifully with Herb-Marinated Chuck Steak and coleslaw. For a complete meal, consider serving them with cornbread or grilled vegetables. They also make a great filling for a baked potato or a topping for nachos.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave them in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best In The West Baked Beans contains roughly 700 calories, with 13g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1540mg per serving (67% 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! While the recipe calls for butter beans, kidney beans, and pork and beans, you can mix and match with your favorites such as black beans or pinto beans. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed if using canned beans to reduce sodium content.
How can I make the baked beans spicier?
To add some heat, increase the amount of chili pepper or add diced jalapeños to the mixture. You could also include a splash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the baked beans up to a day in advance. Simply complete the recipe up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed for the best results.
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).