Best Western Barbecue Bean Bake
A hearty baked bean casserole combining smoky bacon, ground meat, and rich barbecue flavors, perfect for gatherings and comfort food lovers seeking a savory, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat ⓘ
- 1 lb bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz) cans red kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz) cans pork and beans ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz) cans butter beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat, chopped bacon, and large onion in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Combine the cooked meat mixture with ketchup, barbecue sauce, salt, brown sugar, molasses, chili powder, pepper, and all canned beans.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Serve hot, yielding approximately 20 to 24 servings.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a kick. If you prefer a leaner dish, substitute ground turkey for the beef and reduce the bacon amount. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat and skip the bacon. Make sure to drain the beans well to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Barbecue Bean Bake pairs beautifully with cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside coleslaw for a delightful contrast. Consider offering toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, or jalapeños to customize each serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot. This dish also freezes well; thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Western Barbecue Bean Bake contains roughly 264 calories, with 22g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 917mg per serving (40% 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 for this recipe?
Absolutely! While red kidney beans, pork and beans, and butter beans are traditional, feel free to substitute with black beans, cannellini beans, or any variety you prefer. Just ensure the total bean volume remains the same for the best texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the chili powder or mix in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also serve with a spicy barbecue sauce or hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Barbecue Bean Bake is perfect for meal prep! Prepare it in advance, bake, and cool it down before storing. It keeps well and can be portioned out for quick meals throughout the week. Just reheat as needed for a delicious, hearty dish.
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).