Skip to main content

Burnt Ends Beans

When you’re finished slicing and chopping a smoky beef brisket, what’s left on the cutting board are the coveted crusty, juicy bits called the burnt ends. In beans, burnt ends add robust, meaty flavor just like a ham hock, a hunk of salt pork, or bacon. Here the bits of barbecue and meat juices are tossed in with canned white beans that have been doctored up with the regular barbecue sauce ingredients. We add pretty much any cheater BBQ meat scraps to canned pork and beans, too.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 8 servings

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons bacon drippings or oil
Three 15 1/2-ounce cans Great Northern or navy beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons spicy brown or Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons bottled smoke
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chopped cooked beef brisket or chuck, pork butt, or chicken (plus some of the drippings)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    COOK the onion in the bacon drippings in a medium skillet over medium heat until lightly browned and softened, about 8 minutes.

    Step 2

    COMBINE the onion and the remaining ingredients in a large saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes. Or, put everything in a medium slow cooker (at least 4 quarts). Cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours.

Cheater BBQ
Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
This pasta starring summer corn achieves its savory, creamy sauce thanks to one special ingredient: buttermilk powder.
This fast stir-fry dish pairs minced pork and fragrant basil with hot Thai chiles and a crispy fried egg.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Juicy steak, crisp lettuce, and a blender dressing come together for a breezy summer dinner.
This frozen cocktail uses instant espresso for a strong flavor and unbeatable convenience.