Easy BBQ Baked Beans

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 cups dried white beans (about 300 grams)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (red, original flavor)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (or less if preferred)
• 1/4 cup chopped bacon bits (optional)
• 1 small chopped bell pepper (red or green)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking

Preparation Time:

• Soaking beans: 8 hours or overnight
• Total preparation and cooking time: 3-4 hours

Cooking Time:

• Cooking time: 2-3 hours (including soaking time)

Difficulty Level:

[Level 3] - Moderate. Requires soaking beans overnight and patience for slow cooking.

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Soak the beans in water for 8 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Drain and rinse the beans, then transfer them to a baking dish.
4. Add the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, salt, chili powder, bacon bits (if using), bell pepper, and green onions. Mix well.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and stir to combine.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 2 hours. Stir halfway through.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes until the top starts to brown and become crispy.
8. Serve warm with your favorite grilled meat or as a side dish.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving - varies based on portion size)

• Calories: approx. 250-300 calories per serving (based on added ingredients and quantity)
• Fat: 5-8g
• Carbs: 40-50g
• Protein: 15-20g

Dish Characteristics:

• The dish has a sweet and spicy flavor from the combination of BBQ sauce and chili powder.
• The beans are baked to perfection, resulting in a creamy and rich texture.
• The dish is hearty and goes well with various grilled meats or as a side dish for any barbecue gathering.

User Comments:

1. "This is an excellent dish! The combination of flavors is perfect." - John Doe, New York.
2. "Baked beans are a classic side dish, and this recipe makes them stand out." - Jane Smith, California.
3. "Love the addition of bacon bits and bell peppers, gives it a unique flavor." - Michael Johnson, Texas.

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for proper cooking and texture. Skip this step may result in hard beans.
• Adjust the chili powder according to your preference for spice level. Start with less and add more if desired.
• If you want to add more protein or flavor, consider adding a few pieces of grilled sausage or bacon into the dish during the last hour of baking.