Wild Horse Mountain Barbecued Beans
A hearty, smoky baked bean dish packed with bacon, beef, sausage, and flavorful spices, perfect for gatherings or comfort food lovers seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bacon ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. sausage ⓘ
- 4 med. onions ⓘ
- 2 large cans pork & beans ⓘ
- 2 small cans pork & beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dark molasses ⓘ
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 bottle KC Masterpiece barbecue sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry bacon over medium heat until crispy; drain and crumble into small pieces.
- Brown ground beef and sausage; drain and add to the bacon.
- Drain excess liquid from canned pork and beans and combine with the meat mixture.
- Stir in dark molasses, brown sugar, prepared mustard, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, minced garlic, coarse pepper, and barbecue sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart crockpot.
- Cook on low for approximately 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the bean mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat with smoked tempeh or a plant-based sausage. Adjust the spices to your taste; for instance, adding more cayenne will increase the heat. This recipe is perfect for potlucks or barbecues, much like Bertha'S Meat Loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these barbecued beans alongside grilled meats or as a hearty side at your next gathering. They pair beautifully with Sweet And Spicy Ribs or can be enjoyed on their own as a filling meal. Consider garnishing with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh touch, and serve with cornbread for a traditional American recipes experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecued beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave them in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Horse Mountain Barbecued Beans contains roughly 1718 calories, with 44g protein, 238g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (301% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (161% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 897mg per serving (39% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bean mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just transfer it to the crockpot and cook on low when ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an even tastier dish.
What can I use instead of KC Masterpiece barbecue sauce?
If you don't have KC Masterpiece barbecue sauce, you can use any sweet and tangy barbecue sauce of your choice. Alternatively, you can mix a combination of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar to create a homemade version that mimics the original flavor.
Can I add other ingredients to the beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate additional ingredients such as corn, black beans, or even diced tomatoes for added texture and flavor. Experimenting with spices like smoked paprika or even a splash of whiskey can elevate the taste, making it unique to your palate.
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).