Dutch Oven BBQ Beans with Beef

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey reduces fat while still providing protein.

BBQ sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade BBQ sauce

💰Cheaper: ketchup + vinegar

Homemade sauce can be lower in sugar and preservatives.

dried beans

🥗Healthier: canned beans

💰Cheaper: dried lentils

Canned beans save time, while lentils are often less expensive.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

Soak dried beans in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.

Preheat the Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add olive oil and sauté chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Drain and rinse soaked beans, then add to the pot.

Mix in BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.

Add enough water to cover the beans by 1 inch and stir well.

Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 300°F.

Bake for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and sauce is thickened.

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Serve hot as a main dish or side.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: