Chuck Wagon Beans(12 Servings, 1 Cup Each)
Hearty and smoky, Chuck Wagon Beans combine ground beef, bacon, and savory seasonings for a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings and outdoor cookouts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°.
- In a large roasting pan, fry bacon until crisp.
- Drain the fat and set bacon aside.
- In the same pan, cook and stir ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped celery until browned.
- Dissolve beef bouillon cubes in boiling water.
- Stir the bouillon mixture, catsup, prepared mustard, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture.
- Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle over the beans before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten the dish. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup to the sauce. This recipe is great for meal prep, so make a double batch and freeze half for later.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chuck Wagon Beans with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. They pair well with a simple green salad or coleslaw for added crunch. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside dishes like Dinner Party Stew or Easy Beef Stroganoff Soup to create a comforting spread for guests.
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, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chuck Wagon Beans(12 Servings, 1 Cup Each) contains roughly 320 calories, with 12g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 527mg per serving (23% 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 Chuck Wagon Beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of beef bouillon cubes?
If you don't have beef bouillon cubes, you can use homemade beef broth or stock instead. Just replace the water and bouillon with an equal amount of broth to maintain flavor. Alternatively, vegetable bouillon or broth can be used for a milder taste.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Chuck Wagon Beans, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like crumbled tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon and omit the bacon, or use a plant-based bacon alternative for added 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).