A delightful twist on classic BBQ beans, this recipe combines a medley of beans with smoky bacon and a rich barbecue sauce for a flavorful side dish.
Cook the smoked bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy, then remove and chop into small pieces.
Cooking the bacon first allows you to use the rendered fat for sautéing the vegetables, enhancing the flavor.
In the same Dutch oven, sauté the diced green pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic in the bacon fat until softened.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it taste bitter.
Add the pink beans, kidney beans, diced ham, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar to the Dutch oven. Stir well to combine.
Ensure all the beans are evenly coated with the sauce for consistent flavor.
Simmer the mixture on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cover the Dutch oven partially to retain moisture while allowing the sauce to thicken.
Serve the smoky BBQ bean medley warm, garnished with the chopped bacon pieces.
For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving.