Smoke Beans
Smoky, hearty beans with ground beef, cheese, and vegetables, flavored with liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 lb. ground beef or ground chuck ⓘ
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 cup grated extra sharp cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke ⓘ
- 2 cans kidney beans or pinto beans ⓘ
- 2 small cans mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 small cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 2 cups brown sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion and green pepper until tender.
- Remove and set aside. Brown the ground beef in the same pan.
- Drain excess fat from the meat.
- Mix cooked vegetables, browned meat, and remaining ingredients in a baking dish.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, try using smoked paprika in place of liquid smoke. If ground beef isn't available, ground turkey or even a vegetarian meat substitute can work well. To cut down on sweetness, reduce the brown sugar by half and add a splash of vinegar for balance. For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked bacon or sausage.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it with rice or baked potatoes for a comforting dinner. For a unique twist, consider topping it with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream. It makes a great filling for burritos or tacos as well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoke Beans contains roughly 1041 calories, with 44g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (189% of the Daily Value), protein (89% of the Daily Value), and calcium (80% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1579mg per serving (69% 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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! While kidney and pinto beans are traditional, feel free to experiment with black beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas for a different texture and flavor. Just ensure you rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the mix.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, incorporate chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a flavor boost that complements the sweetness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or increase the amount of beans. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the dish's texture and flavor while keeping it hearty.
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).