Bright Party Beans

Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves: 10 Cuisine: American

Bright Party Beans is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings. With a blend of ground beef and a variety of beans, it offers a sweet and savory taste profile enhanced by spices and ketchup. Ideal for potlucks or family dinners, it's sure to please a crowd.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. ground beef
  • 1 pkg. dry onion mix
  • 1 can B & M beans
  • 2 cans kidney beans
  • 2 cans small yellow lima beans
  • 2 cans green baby lima beans
  • 1/2 c. dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 c. dark or light Karo syrup
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 c. ketchup
  • 1 Tbsp. dry mustard
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Fry ground beef and dry onion mix.
  2. Add salt, pepper, and chili powder.
  3. When browned, combine in a large pan or roasting pan.
  4. Add all ingredients including juices.
  5. Bake at 270° to 300° for 4 hours without stirring.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider browning the ground beef with garlic before adding the onion mix. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. Adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar or syrup, depending on your taste. Adding diced bell peppers can enhance the dish's texture and color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bright Party Beans as a hearty main dish at gatherings or potlucks. They pair well with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal. For a festive touch, top with chopped green onions or shredded cheese. This dish complements grilled meats or can be enjoyed alongside classic American recipes like Cheeseburger Crescent Bake.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for quick reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bright Party Beans contains roughly 970 calories, with 32g protein, 177g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (102% of the Daily Value), protein (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 883mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

970 kcal 48% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 31.9g 64% DV
Total Fat 18.2g 23% DV
Carbs 177.3g 64% DV
Fiber 28.7g 100% DV
Sugar 94.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 883.1mg 38% DV
Potassium 1738.4mg 37% DV
Cholesterol 17mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 170.8mcg 19% DV
Vitamin C 10.2mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 270.5mg 21% DV
Iron 11.5mg 64% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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! You can substitute any canned beans you have on hand, such as black beans or pinto beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using dried beans by soaking and cooking them beforehand.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. Alternatively, you can use spicy chili powder or cayenne pepper for an extra kick that complements the sweetness of the beans.

Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and onion mix first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, slow-cooked flavor.

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).

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