Party Time Beans are a crowd-pleasing dish that brings a burst of flavor and warmth to any gathering. This hearty bean dish combines a variety of beans with smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and a rich, tangy sauce made from barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory, making it an ideal side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or family get-togethers. The beans simmer slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together, resulting in a dish that’s comforting, filling, and full of flavor. Easy to make in large batches, Party Time Beans are sure to be a hit at your next event.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) baked beans (with sauce)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Brown the beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine the beans and sauce: Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, and baked beans (with their sauce) to the skillet. Stir in the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the beans cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and the flavors are well combined.
- Add the bacon: Just before serving, stir the crispy bacon back into the beans. If you prefer, you can also sprinkle the bacon on top as a garnish.
- Serve: Serve the Party Time Beans hot, either as a side dish or as a main course. They pair well with grilled meats, cornbread, or a fresh salad.
Party Time Beans are a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The combination of smoky bacon, hearty beans, and a sweet-tangy sauce makes these beans irresistible, ensuring they’ll be the star of your next party or gathering.
