Best In The West B.B.Q. Baked Beans
A hearty and flavorful baked beans dish featuring ground beef, bacon, and a smoky barbecue sauce, perfect as a main course or a satisfying side for family gatherings and outdoor cookouts. Rich in savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, it offers a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 - 16 oz can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 - 16 oz can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 - 16 oz can butter beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped bacon, and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Drain well to remove excess fat.
- Add ketchup, barbecue sauce, salt, prepared mustard, molasses, chili powder, and pepper to the skillet.
- Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients.
- Add the canned kidney beans, pork and beans, and butter beans to the mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake uncovered at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding diced bell peppers to the mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and extra beans. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of molasses or barbecue sauce to your taste. For a spicier kick, include some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these B.B.Q. baked beans alongside grilled meats, cornbread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Ranch Baked Beans for a hearty barbecue spread. You can also top them with shredded cheese or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings!
Storage & Reheating
Leftover B.B.Q. baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For a quick microwave option, transfer to a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best In The West B.B.Q. Baked Beans contains roughly 321 calories, with 19g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1343mg per serving (58% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the baked beans a day in advance. Simply follow the instructions up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes until heated through.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian dish, use lentils or additional beans like black beans or pinto beans, which will still provide a hearty texture.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the beans?
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of molasses or barbecue sauce. You can also add more salt or spices to balance the flavors. Taste the mixture before baking to find the perfect sweetness level for your preferences.
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).