Best In The West Beans
A hearty, smoky baked bean dish with ground beef, bacon, and rich flavors, perfect for family gatherings or casual cookouts, offering a savory and sweet taste experience.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 10 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 16 oz. can kidney beans ⓘ
- 16 oz. can pork and beans ⓘ
- 16 oz. can butter beans ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked.
- Fry the bacon until crispy and then set aside.
- In the bacon drippings, sauté the onion until translucent.
- Add the cooked ground beef, bacon, remaining ingredients, and stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use plant-based bacon. Adjust the sweetness by reducing brown sugar or using maple syrup instead. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before baking, as flavors will deepen during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these beans hot as a main dish or as a hearty side. They pair well with cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, try serving them over baked potatoes or alongside BBQ ribs for a true American recipes experience. Leftovers make a great filling for tacos or burritos too!
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best In The West Beans contains roughly 995 calories, with 28g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 710mg per serving (31% 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?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite beans. Black beans, pinto beans, or even white beans can work well in this recipe. Just ensure you maintain the overall volume of beans to keep the texture balanced.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the mix. You can also use spicy barbecue sauce or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, allow it to come to room temperature before baking or increase the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).