Southern Barbecued Bean Casserole 🍲

Overview:

This Southern Barbecued Bean Casserole recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight meal. With just over 2 hours of total cooking time, including a slow bake in the oven, it’s a convenient dish that allows you to focus on preparing other elements of your meal while it cooks to perfection. Packed with flavor from lean hamburger, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of savory spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Serving: Approximately 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

1 pound lean hamburger
1/2 – 3/4 cup diced onion
1/2 – 3/4 cup diced celery
1/2 – 3/4 cup diced green pepper
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 bay leaf
1 clove garlic, minced
3 cups water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 263.7
Total Fat: 7.9g
Saturated Fat: 3.1g
Cholesterol: 49.1mg
Sodium: 395.7mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32.1g
Fiber: 1.9g
Sugar: 25.8g
Protein: 17.4g

Instructions:

Brown the Ground Beef and Vegetables:
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- In a large skillet, brown the lean hamburger over medium heat until cooked through.
- Add the diced onion, celery, and green pepper to the skillet with the ground beef.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender and the excess moisture has evaporated. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Combine Remaining Ingredients:
- To the skillet with the browned beef and vegetables, add the dry mustard, dried thyme, bay leaf, minced garlic, water, brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Simmer on Stovetop:
- Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Bake in Casserole Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Transfer the simmered mixture to a large casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- If the mixture starts to dry out during baking, add a bit of water to maintain the desired consistency.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the casserole is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Serve warm as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite barbecue fare or enjoy it on its own as a hearty and satisfying meal.

Recipe Notes:

Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of dry mustard and Worcestershire sauce to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Simply cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow the casserole to come to room temperature before placing it in the preheated oven.
Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Once baked, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Vegetarian Variation: For a meat-free version, omit the lean hamburger and double up on the diced vegetables or add your favorite meat substitute, such as crumbled tofu or tempeh.

Enjoy the hearty flavors and comforting aroma of this Southern-inspired Barbecued Bean Casserole! It’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire, perfect for any occasion from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings with friends and family.