Tailgate Beans
Tailgate Beans is a hearty, smoky dish combining ground beef, bacon, and a medley of beans in a flavorful barbecue-inspired sauce. Perfect for casual gatherings and outdoor events, it offers a comforting blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that satisfy a crowd. Ideal for tailgates and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 10 slices bacon, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup bottled barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can lima or butter beans ⓘ
- 1 small can pinto beans ⓘ
- 1 can pork and beans (not drained) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and diced bacon until lightly browned.
- Pour off excess fat.
- Combine the cooked meats with all other ingredients in a casserole dish.
- Mix well to combine.
- Heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try using smoked bacon or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or tempeh and use vegetarian bacon. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar or molasses based on your taste. You can also experiment with different beans for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tailgate Beans as a hearty side dish at your next barbecue or tailgate party. They pair well with cornbread, coleslaw, or grilled meats. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or some crispy potato chips for added crunch. This dish is perfect for gatherings and will please both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the Tailgate Beans for up to 3 months. When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the beans seem dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tailgate Beans contains roughly 305 calories, with 18g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 821mg per serving (36% 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 Tailgate Beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even further, making it an ideal choice for parties or potlucks.
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you're looking for a bacon substitute, try turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also omit it entirely for a lighter version and add more spices or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you're using an alternative ingredient.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the beans?
To modify the spice level, you can add more or less chili powder based on your preference. For a kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the chili powder altogether for a family-friendly dish.
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).