Southern Baked Beans with (Plant-Based) “Ground Burger”

Southern Baked Beans are made with a delicious, whiskey maple BBQ sauce, ground burger made from plants, onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, brown sugar, and flavors to make your gathering, BBQ, or dinner a hit! 

If you’re looking for more recipes to take to the cookout, check out my Cherry Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake and these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheese Pie Shooters for easy, fun desserts! We can’t forget drinks: this Watermelon Basil Breeze Gin Cocktail is the perfect beverage to enjoy at the cookout. 

It is officially BBQ, grilling, and stick your toes in the sand season! This year is flying by and I can’t help but think back to this time last year. If you’re reading this, you’re still here. What a blessing. 

Southern Baked Beans

Summer pretty much starts mid-May ’round these parts. Then you have Memorial Day, beach vacations, Juneteenth celebrations, BBQ’s, grilling out for the 4th, summer break…and the list goes on. Last year, you all know I was grinding out in the kitchen and creating a plethora of recipes. I couldn’t let another holiday go by without sharing a deliciously, fun twist to a southern favorite—BAKED BEANS!

I know some people are slowly getting back to a place of “normalcy” and perhaps socializing, but if you’re not ready just yet, that’s totally okay! This recipe will be a wonderful way to enjoy a BBQ at home, relaxing on the patio, backyard, or wherever

If you love this southern recipe, make sure you check out my Southern Peach Pie and Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan-Crusted Topping! 

The Cookout

Born and raised in the south, baked beans have always been a staple at the “The Cookout” or family reunions. I was in college when I was introduced to what I call “Southern-Style” Baked Beans. I’m talking about onions, peppers, ground beef, spices, and even bacon. Yes, the works! They are so delicious. After becoming a fan of Impossible Burger last year, I decided I wanted to try making Southern Baked Beans Impossible-Style. It has the same amount of protein as 80/20 ground beef and no cholesterol, antibiotics, or animal hormones. They were such a hit last summer, I couldn’t wait to share them. And listen, you will not know the difference! I promise. 

 

Can Baked Beans Be Prepared for Vegans and Vegetarians?

Absolutely! If you’re feeling REAL saucy, you can add Lightlife: Smoky Tempeh Strips (Fakin’ Bacon) pieces. These baked beans are just as delicious with or without the bacon. Then add your favorite BBQ sauce, a few seasonings, condiments, and chopped veggies, and you’ll be 2-Steppin’ to your favorite song with each bite. TRUST! My melanated people already know we like to hum and do a lil’ 2-step when the food is good!

What Kind of Beans and BBQ Sauce Should I Use?

One thing I love about beans is that there are so many varieties. Vegetarian beans out of the can are often bland, so you can take them to the next level by adding a few condiments to enhance your sauce. I recommend plain white beans, red beans, pinto beans, or baked beans labeled vegetarian. Disclaimer: Please check your label, because I am a flexitarian through and through and will not be held responsible for any mishaps.

LOST IN THE SAUCE

If you just want to go meatless (this is for my people without any ethical or personal convictions), you can use the beans mentioned above and make sure you rinse and drain your beans before preparing. As for sauces, just make sure you find one with good flavor. I used this Whiskey Maple BBQ Sauce for this recipe. It’s also gluten-free and kosher. 

OTHER SAUCES YOU MUST TRY (Black-Owned): 

• G Hughes Smokehouse, Sugar Free BBQ Sauce, Maple Brown – purchase it here. 
• G Hughes Smokehouse, Sugar Free Honey flavored and Honey BBQ Sauce flavors, purchase here and here.
• G Hughes Sweet Heat Carolina, Sugar Free BBQ Sauce, Maple Brown, Set of 6 – purchase it here. 
• G Hughes Mesquite, Sugar Free BBQ Sauce, Maple Brown, Set of 6 – purchase it here.

Now that you have your good barbecue sauce, chopped onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, a little brown sugar, and condiments — you are good to go. You can even add diced jalapeños for extra kick! Don’t forget the cornbread either. *Big Mama voice* Oh and don’t forget to check out my BBQ Ribs with Blue Cheese Infused Hickory BBQ Sauce. 

So when you take your dish to the cookout, your bourgeois (aka “Bad and Bougee”) vegetarian/vegan cousin can enjoy too! Unless, of course, you’re the bourgeois one.

That would me be. Just kidding. 

Can these Baked Beans be made with other proteins?

Absolutely! We do not police people’s food over here, so if you want to make these beans with ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, ground walnuts, or tofu—go for it! I just want you to enjoy them! 

Speaking of walnuts, make sure you check out my Kale Celebration Vegetable Salad with Walnuts!

Recipes We Can’t Stop Talking About!

• Summer Recipes and Ideas
• Strawberry Butter Golden Dump Cake 
• Berry Cheesecake Trifle 

I hope you love these Baked Beans recipe! Let me know if you try them! You can find me on socials at @myprettybrowneats. On Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok as well as following the #myprettybrowneats hashtag on FB, IG, and TikTok!