Hearty Chuckwagon Baked Beans
This Hearty Chuckwagon Baked Beans recipe is a cherished family classic that takes center stage at large gatherings, potlucks, and cookouts. Packed with flavor and texture, these beans are so hearty that they can easily double as a main dish. The combination of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a medley of three different beans results in a dish that is both filling and satisfying. With a perfect balance of sweetness from brown sugar and a hint of tang from ketchup and mustard, you'll find yourself savoring every bite. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, this dish brings warmth and comfort to any table. Enjoy the nostalgia and the deliciousness of Mom’s special recipe!
16-20
Servings
182.5
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (browned)
Onion
1 medium (diced)
Bacon
1/2 lb (cooked crisp, crumbled)
Great Northern Beans
1 (16 ounce) can (undrained)
Kidney Beans
1 (16 ounce) can (undrained)
Pork n' Beans
1 (16 ounce) can (undrained)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
White Sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
Ketchup
1/2 cup (none)
Prepared Yellow Mustard
1/2 tablespoon (none)
Molasses
1 tablespoon (none)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 dash (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, reserving the drippings.
3
In the same skillet, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
4
In a large oven-safe roaster, combine the cooked bacon (crumbled), browned beef, and onion.
5
Open the three cans of beans (great northern, kidney, and pork n' beans) and pour them into the roaster without draining any liquid.
6
In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, white sugar, ketchup, yellow mustard, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
7
Pour the sauce mixture over the meat and beans, and stir everything together until evenly distributed.
8
Cover the roaster with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
9
After 1 hour, remove the cover and bake for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the top to caramelize slightly.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
21.75g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hearty Chuckwagon Baked Beans?
Hearty Chuckwagon Baked Beans are a savory and sweet bean casserole made with ground beef, bacon, and three types of beans, often served at potlucks and cookouts.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve between 16 and 20 people.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What types of beans are included in this dish?
The recipe uses Great Northern beans, Kidney beans, and Pork n' Beans.
Do I need to drain the canned beans?
No, you should pour all three cans of beans into the roaster without draining any of the liquid.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 182.5 calories.
How much ground beef is required?
You will need 1 pound of ground beef, which should be browned before adding it to the beans.
How is the bacon prepared for this recipe?
Use 1/2 pound of bacon, cook it until crisp, and then crumble it before mixing.
What ingredients are used for the sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of brown sugar, white sugar, ketchup, yellow mustard, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce.
How long do the beans need to bake in total?
The total baking time is 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Why are the beans baked uncovered for the last 20 minutes?
Baking them uncovered for the final 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the top of the dish to caramelize slightly.
What provides the sweetness in this recipe?
The sweetness comes from a combination of 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of white sugar, and 1 tablespoon of molasses.
Is there protein in Chuckwagon Baked Beans?
Yes, there is approximately 7.5g of protein per serving, derived from the beef, bacon, and beans.
What size cans of beans should I buy?
You should use 16-ounce cans for the Great Northern beans, Kidney beans, and Pork n' Beans.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, which should be diced and cooked with the ground beef.
Is this recipe suitable as a main dish?
Yes, because it is packed with ground beef and bacon, it is hearty enough to be served as a main course.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe requires just one dash of Worcestershire sauce for a hint of savory depth.
Should I save the bacon drippings?
Yes, the instructions suggest reserving the drippings after cooking the bacon to use for browning the beef and onions.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 21.75 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much mustard should be added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of prepared yellow mustard.
What type of pan should be used for baking?
A large oven-safe roaster is recommended for this recipe.
Can this dish be made for a potluck?
Absolutely, it is described as a cherished classic for large gatherings and potlucks.
How much ketchup is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of ketchup in the sauce mixture.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I handle the onion before baking?
The onion should be diced and browned in a skillet with the ground beef until tender.
Does this recipe contain molasses?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of molasses to add a rich, deep sweetness.
How should the ground beef be drained?
After browning the beef and onion, you should drain any excess fat before adding them to the roaster.
Can I use aluminum foil to cover the roaster?
Yes, you can cover the roaster with either a lid or aluminum foil during the first hour of baking.
What kind of sugar preparation is needed?
The brown sugar should be packed and the white sugar should be granulated for accurate measurement.