Savory Maple Bacon BBQ Baked Beans
This delightful, hearty dish combines the rich flavors of smoky bacon, ground beef, and sweet maple syrup to create an unforgettable side that will steal the show at any gathering. Perfect for barbecues, holiday dinners, or family get-togethers, these BBQ baked beans are always a favorite request! Prepared easily in a crock-pot, these beans simmer to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven for a wonderfully thick and comforting dish. Not only are they delicious served fresh, but they also reheat splendidly, making them ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Bring a batch to your next event and watch them vanish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1/2 lb (brown)
Bacon
5 slices (diced)
Onion
1/2 medium (diced)
Baby butter beans
1 (16 ounce) can (drained)
Kidney beans
1 (16 ounce) can (drained)
Maple flavored baked beans
1 (28 ounce) can (undrained)
Baked beans
1 (16 ounce) can (undrained)
Brown sugar
1/3 cup (none)
Splenda granular or sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Ketchup
1/4 cup (none)
Barbecue sauce (hickory or honey flavored)
1/4 cup (none)
Dark molasses
2 tablespoons (none)
Mustard
2 tablespoons (use honey mustard if available)
Chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and bacon until the meat is fully cooked and the bacon is crispy. Drain any excess fat.
2
While the meat is cooking, add all of the beans to the crock-pot.
3
Once the meat mixture is cooked, add it to the crock-pot with the beans and stir until well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Splenda, ketchup, barbecue sauce, dark molasses, mustard, and chili powder. Then pour this mixture over the beans and beef in the crock-pot.
5
Stir everything together until evenly coated and combined.
6
Set the crock-pot to low and let it cook for at least 4 hours. The beans will thicken over time and develop even more flavor.
7
If you prefer to use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Pour the bean mixture into a large Dutch oven and bake for one hour, until bubbly and thickened.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Savory Maple Bacon BBQ Baked Beans?
This dish combines the rich flavors of smoky bacon, ground beef, and sweet maple syrup for a hearty and savory-sweet profile.
Can I prepare these baked beans in a crock-pot?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be easily prepared in a crock-pot, allowing the flavors to meld as they simmer.
Can these beans be baked in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake them in a Dutch oven at 350°F (175°C) for one hour until bubbly and thickened.
What meats are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of ground beef and 5 slices of diced bacon.
How should I prepare the meat mixture?
Brown the ground beef with diced onion and bacon in a large skillet until the meat is fully cooked and the bacon is crispy.
Do I need to drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess fat after browning the beef, bacon, and onion mixture.
What types of beans are used in this dish?
The recipe uses four types: baby butter beans, kidney beans, maple flavored baked beans, and standard baked beans.
Which beans should be drained before adding to the pot?
The baby butter beans and the kidney beans should be drained, while the other two cans are added undrained.
How much brown sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of brown sugar.
Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of Splenda granular or regular white sugar.
What flavor of barbecue sauce works best?
Hickory or honey flavored barbecue sauces are recommended for the best flavor.
What type of molasses is used?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of dark molasses.
Is there a specific mustard suggested for this recipe?
Standard mustard is used, but the recipe notes you should use honey mustard if available.
How much chili powder should I add?
You should add 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder.
What is the recommended crock-pot setting and time?
Set the crock-pot to low and let the beans cook for at least 4 hours.
How do I prepare the sauce for the beans?
Whisk together the brown sugar, Splenda, ketchup, BBQ sauce, molasses, mustard, and chili powder in a separate bowl before pouring over the beans.
Are these beans suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they reheat splendidly and are ideal for leftovers or meal prepping.
What size cans of beans are needed?
You will need three 16-ounce cans and one 28-ounce can of maple flavored baked beans.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
The recipe requires 5 slices of bacon.
When should the meat be added to the crock-pot?
Add the cooked meat mixture to the crock-pot once the beans have been added and stir them together.
What happens to the texture of the beans as they cook?
The beans will thicken over time and develop a deeper, more melded flavor profile.
Is this dish appropriate for large gatherings?
Absolutely, it is described as a favorite for barbecues, holiday dinners, and family get-togethers.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a medium onion, diced.
Do I need to stir the ingredients in the crock-pot?
Yes, stir everything together until the beans and meat are evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
How much ground beef is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of ground beef.
Can I use honey mustard?
Yes, honey mustard is recommended as a preferred option for the mustard ingredient.
Should the maple beans be drained?
No, the 28-ounce can of maple flavored baked beans should be used undrained.
How long does it take to brown the meat?
Cook over medium-high heat until the beef is fully cooked and the bacon is crispy.
What is the primary sweetener in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of maple flavoring from the beans, brown sugar, molasses, and Splenda/sugar.
Is this recipe considered a main dish or a side dish?
While it contains meat, it is traditionally served as a hearty side dish.