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Cooking Tips
- Soak dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- Cook beans with a pinch of salt toward the end to keep them tender.
- Add aromatic ingredients like garlic, onion, or bay leaves to enhance flavor during cooking.
Ingredients 0/12
Why This Dish Is Amazing
Beans are packed with protein and fiber, making them a healthy and filling choice. They have a rich, comforting flavor that works well in many dishes. Plus, they are budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
Directions
Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned. Once done, drain the bacon fat, crumble the bacon, and set it aside. Next, add the ground beef and chopped onion to the same pot and cook everything together until the beef is browned and the onions have softened. Toss the bacon back in, then add the drained pork and beans, the pork and beans with their liquid, kidney beans, and lima beans. Stir in the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and a splash of liquid smoke. Give everything a good mix, season with salt and pepper to taste, cover the Dutch oven, and pop it in the oven to bake for about an hour.
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people cooked this recipe
Serving Style Ideas
Serve beans as a hearty side dish or mix them into salads, soups, or stews. They also pair well with rice, grilled vegetables, or fresh bread for a complete meal.
How To Refrigerate This Dish
Store cooked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in portions and thaw as needed for easy meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute or add other beans like black beans or pinto beans depending on your preference.
What can I use instead of liquid smoke if I don’t have any?
You can omit it or add a small amount of smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.
Is it necessary to drain the pork and beans in one can but not the other?
Yes, draining one can and using the liquid from the other helps balance the dish’s texture and moisture.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes, you can simmer everything covered on low heat for about an hour until flavors meld.
How should I store leftovers and how long will they keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it?
Absolutely, it actually tastes better the next day after flavors have had time to develop.
What type of barbecue sauce works best for this recipe?
A smoky, slightly sweet barbecue sauce works best, but feel free to use your favorite kind.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, skip the bacon and ground beef and use plant-based meat substitutes or extra beans.
