Buffalo Beans
Buffalo Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish combining savory beans with smoky bacon, sweet and tangy sauces, and a hint of spice. Perfect for casual gatherings or comfort food, it offers a rich blend of textures and flavors that appeal to meat lovers and bean enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. chopped bacon ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. mustard ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. molasses ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 can lima beans
- 1 can pork and beans with molasses ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Cook the chopped bacon in a separate pan until crispy.
- Cook the chopped onion in a separate pan until softened.
- Add cooked bacon, onions, and all remaining ingredients to a pot.
- Warm the mixture through over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot. The dish can be frozen for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner option. You can also swap out the sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you prefer more heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. Make sure to drain and rinse the canned beans to reduce sodium content.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Jambalaya Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a casual gathering, serve in bowls topped with shredded cheese and green onions, and offer tortilla chips on the side for scooping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buffalo Beans contains roughly 329 calories, with 9g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1874mg per serving (81% 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 dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives such as lentils or diced mushrooms for texture. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based products in the sauce to maintain flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
To adjust the sweetness, simply decrease the amount of brown sugar and white sugar based on your preference. You can also add more ketchup or barbecue sauce, but be mindful of their sweetness levels.
What other beans can I use in this recipe?
Feel free to experiment with different beans such as black beans or pinto beans. Just ensure you maintain a similar quantity to keep the texture and flavor balanced in the 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).