Diabetic Barbecued Beans
A smoky, savory baked bean dish with bacon and tangy barbecue flavors, perfect for family dinners or outdoor gatherings, offering a comforting and hearty taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces.
- Cook bacon pieces for 3 to 4 minutes until partially cooked.
- Add chopped onion to the bacon and cook until onion is tender.
- Combine ketchup, white vinegar, water, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Add the sauce mixture to the bacon and onion, stirring well.
- Add drained Great Northern beans to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add Equal sweetener, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. If you're looking to reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. You can also substitute Great Northern beans with Country Lima Beans for a different texture. To enhance the sweetness without extra sugar, add a small amount of maple syrup or honey.
Serving Suggestions
These Diabetic Barbecued Beans make a great side dish for summer barbecues, pairing beautifully with grilled meats or a fresh salad. They can also be served as a hearty main dish with a side of cornbread. Consider serving alongside American recipes like the Grilled Tuna Crunch Sandwich for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, covered, in 1-minute intervals until warm. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Diabetic Barbecued Beans contains roughly 328 calories, with 15g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2239mg per serving (97% 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 recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using olive oil to sauté the onions. You can add a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without the meat.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the sauce mixture. You can also serve the beans with a hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon and onion in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, and you'll have delicious, tender beans ready to enjoy. This method also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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).