Mouth-watering Barbecued Bean Casserole Recipe
Y’all ready for some good ol’ southern cooking? Well, I’ve got a recipe that will make your taste buds sing: Southern Barbecued Bean Casserole! This hearty dish is full of flavor and just the right amount of kick to make you come back for seconds.
If you’re looking for a comforting meal with a bit of a twist, then this is the recipe for you. With the perfect blend of beans, hamburger meat, bell peppers, onions, and spices like thyme and bay leaf, every bite is packed with savory goodness. Not to mention, the addition of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, dry mustard, and brown sugar really brings out the tangy-sweet flavors that make southern-style cuisine so irresistible.
And let me tell you, this isn’t your typical baked bean casserole recipe! The barbecue sauce and green pepper add an extra depth of flavor that sets it apart from any other recipe out there. Whether you’re making it for a potluck or just a cozy night at home with the family, this dish never disappoints. So why not add it to your collection of go-to recipes? Trust me, it’s worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Welcome, y’all, to this mouthwatering southern-style Barbecued Bean Casserole recipe! You might be thinking, why should I try yet another baked beans recipe? Well, my friends, let me tell you that this recipe is a game-changer that will leave you craving more.
First of all, this recipe is packed with flavor thanks to its unique blend of ingredients. Imagine the sweetness of brown sugar mixed with tangy ketchup and savory Worcestershire sauce. Not to mention the aroma of garlic, bay leaf, and dried thyme that infuses every bite with a burst of fragrant taste. And if that’s not enough, juicy ground beef and tender green pepper and celery take the casserole to a whole other level.
But wait, there’s more! This Barbecued Bean Casserole is versatile as it can be served as a side dish, a main course or part of a larger spread for BBQs or potlucks. You can easily scale up the ingredients to feed a big crowd. This casserole dish screams comfort food at its best: warm and satisfying with delicious leftovers for days. I suggest pairing this flavorful casserole with some ripe tomatoes or crunchy cornbread for that extra southern touch.
Lastly, let’s talk about how easy it is to make! All you need are some simple ingredients – most dishes used commonly in any home kitchen- that simmer together in one pot before they’re popped into the oven to get all bubbly and golden brown. This means less cooking time and less washing up time which frees up your schedule to spice up your go-to BBQ or family gathering.
In conclusion, this Southern Barbecued Bean Casserole recipe is a showpiece that will wow your guests without having to spend long hours in the kitchen. Trust me when I say that once you try this recipe out, you’ll never go back to just any old baked beans again.
Ingredient List
Before getting started with making Southern Barbecued Bean Casserole, let us ensure that we have got all the necessary ingredients.
Here is the list of ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
– 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
– 2 ribs celery, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
– 1 pound lean ground beef
– 8 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 (15 ounce) cans pork and beans
– 1 cup ketchup
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder
– 1 bay leaf
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
The Recipe How-To
The best part of any recipe is putting all the ingredients together to create something delicious. With this Southern Barbecued Bean Casserole Recipe, you’ll be able to surprise your taste buds with the perfect combination of flavors.
Here’s how to make it happen:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of lean hamburger
- 1 medium chopped yellow onion
- 1 medium chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 15-ounce cans pork and beans
- 15-ounce cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
Instructions:
Step #1:
Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a large pan or Dutch oven, brown the hamburger over medium heat until no longer pink.
Step #2:
When the meat is browned, add the chopped onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot; cook for an additional five minutes.
Step #3:
Add cooked crumbled bacon, canned pork and beans, canned great northern beans (drained and rinsed), Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, dried thyme, bay leaf, ketchup and brown sugar. Stir well and bring everything to a boil.
Step #4:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let simmer for at least half an hour until everything is warmed through and the flavors have melded together nicely.
Step #5:
Discard the bay leaf before transferring the mixture into a casserole dish.
Step #6:
Lay the eight bacon slices on top of the mixture then place the casserole dish in a preheated oven.
Step #7:
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to an hour or until the bacon is crispy, and the mixture is nice and bubbly.
This bean casserole barbecue recipe can be served as a great side dish or main meal with your choice of sides. Enjoy your southern-style casserole with ground beef making your taste buds tickle!
Substitutions and Variations
Y’all know I like to make the most out of any recipe, so here are some substitutions and variations for this southern barbecued bean casserole recipe.
– Pork: For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the pork with diced mushrooms or sweet potatoes. If you are a chicken lover, shredded rotisserie chicken would add a new dimension to the dish.
– Meat: Ground turkey is an excellent and lean alternative to beef, while ground lamb will give the dish a Mediterranean flair.
– Baked Beans: If you don’t have canned baked beans at hand, use 2 cups of cooked northern beans instead, and mix them with a cup of brown sugar and your favorite barbecue sauce.
– Vegetables: You can switch up the vegetables with whatever you have in the pantry – diced zucchini or butternut squash would add a sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of barbecue. And if you want more heat in your dish, swap the green bell pepper for jalapeños.
– Sauce: Use different types of barbecue sauce to experiment with your recipe – mustard-based barbecue sauces or hot sauces are always good choices! And If you prefer not using Worcestershire sauce, try soy sauce or tamari – they’ll add that umami flavor to your dish.
– Toppings: Crumbled bacon is not only the ultimate topping for any casserole. Still, you can also use fried onions or crushed cornflakes as toppings for extra crunch.
With so many substitutions and variations available, this recipe becomes incredibly versatile – so feel free to mix it up and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious Southern barbecued bean casserole, it’s time to serve and pair it with some complementary sides. This dish is a hearty one, which makes it an excellent option for family dinners or potluck meals. The casserole can be served right out of the oven, alongside some fresh cornbread or fluffy biscuits.
When it comes to pairing, think southern comfort food classics. Creamy coleslaw or potato salad would be ideal for balancing the bold flavors of the casserole, and a tangy barbecue sauce drizzle on top would add even more zest to your meal. Roasted sweet potatoes or baked mac and cheese would complement the casserole beautifully if you’re looking for an indulgent side dish.
Don’t forget about veggies! Steamed green beans or crisp roasted carrots are great options to balance out the heavy meat and bean components of the dish. A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette will also add freshness and crunch to any plate.
Lastly, this dish would not be complete without a cold beverage to wash it down. An ice-cold beer or classic iced tea is always great when serving southern-style dishes. If you want something a little sweeter, try some refreshing lemonade or freshly brewed iced tea with a slice of lemon.
Overall, this dish is diverse enough to be paired with almost anything, but these suggestions will help elevate your meal’s overall flavor profile. Serve it up hot and watch as your loved ones come back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve cooked up a big batch of this Southern Barbecued Bean Casserole recipe, you’re going to want to know how to store it so you can enjoy it for leftovers or serve it at your next potluck. Fortunately, this dish stores well and reheats perfectly!
If you want to make the dish ahead of time, follow the recipe’s instructions until it reaches the baking stage. Once you have assembled everything in the casserole dish, cover it tightly with aluminum foil and store it in your refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to bake it, remove from the fridge and allow the dish to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool down on a wire rack before storing it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container. It will keep well in your refrigerator for up to four days.
When reheating your leftover Barbecued Bean Casserole, there are various ways to do so depending on your preference. For a quick fix, you can heat individual portions in your microwave or reheat the entire dish in your oven at 325 F for about 20 minutes until heated through. You may add a splash of water or beef broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.
For large batches stored in the refrigerator, preheat your oven at 325 F and remove the casserole from the fridge while waiting for the oven temperature to increase. Add additional ketchup or barbeque sauce if necessary before reheating as this will bring back some moisture that may be lost during refrigeration.
By following these steps, your Southern Barbecued Bean Casserole will remain fresh and flavorful for days after cooking, making meal prep much easier for busy nights or gatherings!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking Southern Barbecued Bean Casserole is an art, and like all art forms, it requires patience and attention to detail. Here are some tips that will help you perfect this recipe.
1. Cook the beans first
One of the most important steps in making this casserole is to cook the beans first. You can use canned baked beans, but it’s always better to cook fresh ones. It will give your casserole a better texture and flavor. Be sure to soak your dried beans overnight, then cook them in a large pot of water until tender but not mushy.
2. Add bell peppers for flavor
Bell peppers are a great addition to this recipe because they add sweetness and texture to the casserole. Be sure to chop them finely and remove their seeds before cooking.
3. Use lean ground beef
Using lean ground beef in this recipe is essential because it reduces the amount of fat in the casserole. Fat tends to make the dish greasy and heavy, whereas lean meat makes it more delicate.
4. Don’t skip Worcestershire sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a crucial ingredient in Southern Barbecued Bean Casserole because it adds depth and savoriness. Be sure to add at least a tablespoon of it.
5. Let your casserole rest before serving
After baking your casserole, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow all the flavors to meld properly and make cutting easier.
6. Make ahead and reheat
One of the perks of this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve it. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Follow these tips, and you’ll make a Southern Barbecued Bean Casserole that will have everyone talking at your next barbecue.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this southern-style Barbecued Bean Casserole recipe is a perfect addition to your classic barbecue menu or any weeknight dinner meal. Our recipe is easy to make and with just a few simple ingredients you can bring a little taste of the south to your home! You’ll love the savory and smoky flavor of baked beans paired with lean ground beef, green pepper, celery, and onions. The Worchester sauce, dry mustard, dried thyme, garlic, bay leaf, ketchup, brown sugar, and water makes it all come together in perfect harmony for every bite.
Additionally, this recipe offers you great flexibility for substitutions and variations. You can change several ingredients to make it suitable for your dietary needs or preferences. You can make it ahead of time and store it in your fridge or freeze it for future use. Also, you have options on what side dishes to pair this bean casserole with.
Overall, these southern-style barbecued beans bring an explosion of flavors and textures to your mouth that will leave you wanting more. To quote Trisha Yearwood’s popular song lyrics “I wanna taste love and feel the breeze” – this bean casserole recipe delivers just that. Try making this recipe today and you might find yourself dancing in the kitchen like Trisha herself to celebrate how AMAZINGLY delicious this Southern Barbecued Bean Casserole is! Enjoy!
Southern Barbecued Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean hamburger
- 1/2-3/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2-3/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/2-3/4 cup chopped green pepper
- 1 can baked beans (I use Bush beans with pork and molassas)
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard (Colemans or Keenes)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 -2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Brown the first 4 ingredients-drain.
- Mix in remaining ingredients, bring to a low boil and reduce heat to simmer and cook on top of the stove for 5 min-stirring often.
- Transfer to a casserole dish and bake at 325 degrees for 2 hours stirring every 30 min.
- Add a bit of water if this starts to dry out.