Hearty Dino-Style BBQ Baked Beans
Transform your view of baked beans with this hearty and flavor-packed recipe inspired by the iconic Dinosaur Barbecue. Loaded with two pounds of savory Italian sausage and infused with a blend of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors, these baked beans defy expectations. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or as a satisfying side dish for any BBQ, this recipe is designed to be shared—but you might want to keep the leftovers for yourself! As they simmer, the ingredients meld together, creating a rich and hearty dish that you can enjoy right off the grill or warmed up by the campfire. With a perfect balance of beans, sausages, and a zesty sauce, your family and friends will be coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
N/A
Servings
178
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baked beans
2 (28 ounce cans (choose a less-sweet variety, like Bush's Homestyle))
Olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Green bell pepper
1 (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced (or more, if desired))
Hot Italian sausage
1 (pound, casings removed)
Dijon mustard
1 (tablespoon)
Ketchup
1 (tablespoon)
Worcestershire sauce
2 (tablespoons)
Cider vinegar
1 (tablespoon)
Molasses
1 (tablespoon)
Chili powder
1 (teaspoon)
Salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan or cast-iron dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Add the hot Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Drain some of the liquid from the baked beans—remove enough liquid so that it levels with the beans. Carefully mix the drained beans into the sausage and veggie mixture.
6
Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, molasses, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
7
Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well combined and heated through.
8
Serve hot directly from the pot, or let it cool and refrigerate for a day. Reheat to enjoy the deepened flavors, ideally with baked potatoes cooked in the fire!
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
20g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hearty Dino-Style BBQ Baked Beans?
They are a flavor-packed, savory side dish inspired by Dinosaur Barbecue, featuring Italian sausage and a zesty sauce.
How many calories are in a serving of these baked beans?
There are 178 calories per serving.
What type of canned beans should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends 28-ounce cans of a less-sweet variety, such as Bush's Homestyle.
Is this BBQ baked bean recipe spicy?
The recipe has some heat due to the hot Italian sausage and chili powder, but you can adjust these to your preference.
Can I make this recipe while camping?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for campfire cooking, especially when using a cast-iron dutch oven.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 7g of protein.
Should I drain the beans before adding them to the pot?
You should drain enough liquid from the cans so that the liquid levels with the beans before mixing.
What makes these beans Dino-Style?
They are inspired by the iconic Dinosaur Barbecue, focusing on a hearty, meaty texture and a complex sweet and tangy sauce.
How many grams of fat are in this dish?
There are 8g of fat per serving.
Can I prepare these beans in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate them for a day and reheat them to allow the flavors to deepen.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The base consists of chopped onion and finely chopped green bell pepper.
How much Italian sausage is needed?
The recipe calls for one pound of hot Italian sausage with the casings removed.
What gives the sauce its tangy flavor?
A combination of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and cider vinegar provides the tang.
Is there molasses in this recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of molasses is added for a rich, sweet depth.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long does it take to sauté the onions and peppers?
It takes about 5 to 7 minutes over medium-high heat until they are softened.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use more garlic than the recipe suggests?
Yes, the recipe suggests 2 cloves but notes you can use more if desired.
What kind of oil is used to cook the vegetables?
The recipe uses two tablespoons of olive oil.
How long should the beans simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until well combined and heated through.
Can I use ketchup in these baked beans?
Yes, one tablespoon of ketchup is used as part of the sauce base.
Is chili powder included in the seasoning?
Yes, one teaspoon of chili powder is used to add flavor and a hint of spice.
What is a recommended side dish for these beans?
They are especially delicious when served with baked potatoes cooked in a fire.
Can I use mild sausage instead of hot?
Yes, you can substitute hot Italian sausage with a mild version if you prefer less spice.
What cookware is best for this recipe?
A large saucepan or a cast-iron dutch oven is recommended.
Does this recipe contain fiber information?
Fiber information is not provided for this specific recipe.
How do I brown the sausage?
Add the sausage to the pan and break it apart with a spatula, cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned and crumbled.
Are these beans suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely, they are designed to be shared and are perfect for large gatherings.
What should I do with the leftovers?
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, which often makes the flavors taste even better.
Is there any salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added both when sautéing the vegetables and at the end to taste.