Chuckwagon Beef Bacon Beans Recipe

Chuckwagon Beef and Bacon Beans Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon drippings and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the peppers are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Garnish with the cooked bacon on top before serving. Enjoy with cornbread or crusty bread!

30 Popular Questions & Answers for Chuckwagon Beef and Bacon Beans

1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   • Yes! Brown the beef and bacon first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
2. Can I freeze Chuckwagon Beef and Bacon Beans?
   • Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use different beans?
   • Yes, feel free to swap beans like cannellini or navy beans for any of the beans listed.
4. How can I make it spicier?
   • Add diced jalapeños, more chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce.
5. Is there a vegetarian version?
   • Skip the bacon and ground beef, and add extra beans or even mushrooms for a meaty texture.
6. How long does it keep in the fridge?
   • It lasts up to 4 days in an airtight container.
7. What can I serve with this dish?
   • Cornbread, crusty bread, or even a side salad works well!
8. Can I use turkey bacon or ground turkey?
   • Yes! These swaps work well for a lighter version.
9. Can I add vegetables?
   • Yes, diced carrots, celery, or corn add great texture.
10. What if I don’t have barbecue sauce?
    • Substitute with a mixture of ketchup, a bit of brown sugar, and a dash of vinegar.
11. Can I make this dish sweeter?
    • Increase the brown sugar or add a touch of honey.
12. Can I make it smokier?
    • Add a bit more smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
13. How do I prevent it from being too thick?
    • Add a bit of beef broth or water as it simmers.
14. Can I add beer for extra flavor?
    • Yes, a light beer adds depth to the flavor. Just reduce the amount of broth accordingly.
15. What kind of tomatoes work best?
    • Diced tomatoes in a can work best for consistency.
16. How do I make it less acidic?
    • A pinch of sugar or a splash of heavy cream can help balance acidity.
17. Can I make it in advance?
    • Yes, the flavors deepen if made a day ahead.
18. Can I add a smoky chipotle pepper?
    • Yes, it adds a fantastic smoky, spicy flavor.
19. Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
    • Yes, if you have leftover ground beef, it works perfectly.
20. What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
    • Use white vinegar or even lemon juice as a substitute.
21. Can I add mushrooms?
    • Yes, mushrooms add a nice, meaty texture.
22. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
    • Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
23. Can I skip the brown sugar?
    • Yes, or substitute with honey or maple syrup.
24. Can I add cumin for flavor?
    • Absolutely! Cumin adds a nice depth.
25. Is there a way to make it thicker?
    • Let it simmer longer uncovered, or add a spoonful of tomato paste.
26. Can I cook it entirely in a Dutch oven?
    • Yes, a Dutch oven works wonderfully.
27. Can I add liquid smoke?
    • Just a few drops give a great smoky flavor.
28. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
    • Substitute with soy sauce for a similar umami taste.
29. How do I make it less salty?
    • Use low-sodium beans, and adjust salt at the end.
30. Can I use leftover bacon?
    • Yes, pre-cooked bacon is fine; just add it at the end.

30 Helpful Tips to Make Chuckwagon Beef and Bacon Beans Even More Delightful

1. Use smoked bacon for an extra depth of flavor.
2. Cook the bacon slowly to render as much fat as possible, which adds flavor.
3. Choose a lean ground beef to avoid excessive greasiness.
4. Add a bit of beer for a rustic flavor.
5. Use smoked paprika for more depth.
6. Stir in a splash of hot sauce if you like heat.
7. Finish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
8. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on top.
9. Add roasted corn for a sweet, smoky flavor.
10. Use fresh garlic for a better flavor.
11. Add extra veggies like carrots or celery.
12. Simmer on low for longer for deeper flavor.
13. Add a spoonful of tomato paste for richness.
14. Finish with a splash of cream for smoothness.
15. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky flavor.
16. Replace ketchup with tomato puree for a less sweet taste.
17. Add diced green chiles for spice.
18. Throw in some cooked sausage for more meatiness.
19. Add a dash of cumin for warmth.
20. Serve with tortilla chips for texture.
21. Add cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
22. Stir in a little maple syrup for sweetness.
23. Use a cast iron Dutch oven if possible.
24. Try a mix of beans for more variety.
25. Add roasted red peppers for a sweeter flavor.
26. Use smoked salt for even more smoky depth.
27. Finish with green onions for freshness.
28. Add a touch of molasses for richness.
29. Sprinkle with shredded cheese before serving.
30. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving—flavors will meld.

30 Secrets to Achieving the Perfect Chuckwagon Beef and Bacon Beans

1. Cook bacon separately for crispness.
2. Drain beef fat if there’s too much.
3. Use fresh ground beef for better texture.
4. Let onions caramelize for extra sweetness.
5. Simmer with the lid off to thicken.
6. Use fresh tomatoes if possible.
7. Layer in spices gradually for more flavor.
8. Add Worcestershire sauce last for punch.
9. Use brown sugar for depth over white sugar.
10. Add a bay leaf for subtle herb flavor.
11. Top with fresh diced tomatoes for brightness.
12. Add a dash of soy sauce for umami.
13. Keep the heat low to prevent burning.
14. Use a splash of beef broth if too thick.
15. Simmer for at least 30 minutes for melding.
16. Add pre-cooked beans to prevent mushiness.
17. Use half ketchup, half tomato sauce for balance.
18. Choose thick-cut bacon for more flavor.
19. Let beans simmer with meat for better flavor.
20. Add a dash of red wine vinegar for balance.
21. Use homemade barbecue sauce for customization.
22. Add dried thyme or oregano for herbal notes.