Ruth'S Western Barbecued Beans
Hearty Western-style baked beans with ground beef, smoky chili sauce, and crispy fried onions, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. tomato juice ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chile sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 c. diced dill pickle (optional) ⓘ
- 3 drops Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb. size) cans pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 can French fried onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, salt, pepper, and minced garlic in a bowl.
- Saute the mixture in cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat until lightly browned.
- Add chopped onion and cook a few minutes longer until the onion is golden.
- Remove from heat and stir in tomato juice, chili sauce, diced dill pickle (if using), Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, pork and beans, and French fried onions.
- Pour the mixture into a bean pot or 9-inch square baking dish.
- Optional: garnish the top with onion rings and drizzle with a little catsup.
- Bake in a slow oven at 325°F for 40 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or some cooked bacon to the mix. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. Additionally, you can use homemade chili sauce if you have it on hand for a fresher taste. This recipe also pairs wonderfully with American recipes featuring grilled meats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecued beans alongside cornbread for a classic comfort food experience. They also make a great side dish for grilled meats or burgers, enhancing any barbecue meal. For a heartier option, pair them with a light salad like Tangy Beef Salad to balance the richness of the beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the beans in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, covered to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruth'S Western Barbecued Beans contains roughly 434 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (167% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2055mg per serving (89% 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 use different types of beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with other beans such as black beans or kidney beans if you prefer. Just make sure they are cooked or canned to save time. Mixing different beans can also add variety to the texture and flavor of the dish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, add more Tabasco sauce or include some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You could also experiment with spicier chili sauces for a different flavor profile. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pour it into your baking dish and follow the baking instructions. This can save you time on busy days.
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).