Picnic Bean Bake
A hearty baked bean dish combining crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, and sweet barbecue flavors, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp; crumble and set aside.
- Cook ground beef until browned; drain off fat.
- Combine cooked beef, bacon, pork and beans, navy beans, light brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and onion soup mix in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding some smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture. If you want a healthier twist, substitute turkey bacon for the sliced bacon, and use ground turkey instead of beef. You can also swap out the barbecue sauce for a homemade version to control the sweetness and flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Picnic Bean Bake is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. Serve it alongside a refreshing coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with My Steak Salad for a lighter side option, making it great for summer barbecues or casual dinner parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in individual portions until hot. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picnic Bean Bake contains roughly 626 calories, with 12g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 mix and match beans according to your preference. Black beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas can work well. Just keep the total amount of beans roughly the same for the right texture and flavor balance.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and ground beef. Consider using a combination of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a meaty texture and flavor. Additionally, you can add more beans or veggies for added substance.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or opt for a less sweet barbecue sauce. You can also add a splash of vinegar or some mustard to balance the sweetness with acidity, enhancing the overall 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).