"Best In The West" Bean Bake
A hearty bean bake featuring ground beef, savory sauces, and a blend of beans, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Drain off the excess fat from the beef mixture.
- Combine ketchup, barbecue sauce, salt, mustard, molasses, chili powder, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Mix the sauce ingredients well.
- Add the cooked beef and onion mixture to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Fold in the pork and beans, butter beans, and red kidney beans.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or liquid smoke to the sauce mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute ground beef with cooked shredded chicken or turkey. To make it vegetarian, use meat substitutes or additional beans. This dish also works well with different bean varieties, so feel free to experiment beyond the specified types.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bean bake with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Barbecued Meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a filling dish. Consider topping it with shredded cheese or diced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the bean bake in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Best In The West" Bean Bake contains roughly 536 calories, with 24g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2281mg per serving (99% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the bean bake a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I serve with the Best In The West Bean Bake?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with coleslaw, rice, or even tortilla chips for a fun twist. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess.
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match different beans based on your preference or what you have on hand. Black beans or pinto beans can be excellent substitutes, adding a unique flavor to the dish. Just ensure you have a total of about 48 oz. of beans.
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).