KIM DAVIS: With summer and Father's Day right around the corner, casual gatherings for barbecues and/or potlucks are starting up. A dear friend of mine, Janet, always served these Potluck Beans as a side dish to the grilled meat whenever she hosted a get together. The dish quickly became a favorite of mine and I immediately begged for the recipe. She graciously shared it with me (which I adapted to suit my tastes, i.e. ground turkey instead of beef, and bacon limited to garnish instead of a pound cooked with the beans) and since my family enjoyed it so much, I often serve it as a main course, especially during chilly winter months. What I especially like is the ease of making this dish. It relies on canned beans along with a few other staples. Once the turkey (or beef) is cooked through, and the beans come to a simmer for a short time, the dish is done and ready to serve giving you time to enjoy your family and friends!
Be sure to scroll all the way down to find out how to win a copy of Essentials of Death!
Potluck
Beans
1 pound ground turkey (or ground beef)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3-pound can pork & beans (or 2 large cans Bush’s Baked Beans)*
1-pound can chili beans
1-pound can cannellini beans, drained
1-pound can red kidney beans, drained
1-pound can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Suggested toppings (not shown in photo)
Cooked and crumbled bacon
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sliced green onions
Pickled jalapeรฑo rings
Sliced black olives
Cooked and crumbled bacon
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sliced green onions
Pickled jalapeรฑo rings
Sliced black olives
Instructions
In a large soup pot, cook the ground meat with the diced onions until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off the liquid/fat and discard.
Add the remaining ingredients, stirring well to combine.
Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to
medium-low and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve with your choice of toppings and
cornbread.
Notes
*If you must eat gluten-free, I recommend substituting Bush’s Baked Beans. Their large cans are 1 pound, 12-ounces. It’s fine to use 2 full cans.
*If you must eat gluten-free, I recommend substituting Bush’s Baked Beans. Their large cans are 1 pound, 12-ounces. It’s fine to use 2 full cans.
For gatherings, you can keep the Potluck Beans warm in a crockpot for easy serving.
๐ Click here for a free printable PDF of the recipe!๐
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About the Author:
Kim Davis writes the Aromatherapy Apothecary cozy mystery series, and the award-winning Cupcake Catering cozy mystery series. She has also written several children’s nature articles published in a variety of magazines. Kim Davis is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
She lives in Southern California with her husband and rambunctious mini Goldendoodle, Missy, who has become an inspiration for several plotlines. When she’s not spending time with her granddaughters or chasing Missy around, she can be found either writing on her next book, working on blogs, or in the kitchen baking up yummy treats to share.
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I'm celebrating my new release today!
While this isn't a copy mystery, I'm celebrating the release today for my middle grade fantasy book, The Secret of Sweet Treats Kingdom, the first book in The Board Game Chronicles! Suitable for ages 7 to 11. If you have kids or grandkids who needs to do some reading over the summer, please check it out. It's free on Kindle Unlimited, and ebook and print versions available on Amazon. Print is available on Barnes and Noble as well.
What it's about:
Amber Addison is fed up with her kindergartener sister. It’s Ava’s fault she’s missing her best friend’s birthday party, the most anticipated event in their sixth-grade class. To make matters worse, Ava has coerced her into playing Sweet Treats board game and she keeps losing to a five-year-old. When Amber’s irritation gets the best of her, she throws the game, destroying it.
A fun recipe is included
Purchase Amazon ebook or read for free on Kindle Unlimited: HERE
Purchase Amazon print: HERE
Purchase Barnes & Noble print: HERE
G I V E A W A Y T I M E !!!
I'm giving away a copy of Essentials of Death, your choice of format: print, ebook, or audiobook.
Comment below and include your email (yourname at yourserver dot com) for a chance to win a copy of Essentials of Death. (Contest ends 11:59pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Print and ebook limited to US residents; audiobook is available for everyone.)
Readers, do you have a favorite side dish you make for barbecues or potlucks?

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My favorite side dish at a barbeque is a refreshing fruit salad
ReplyDeletedon.stewart@zoominternet.net
I always head for the fruit salad, Crystal, and often go back for seconds if there's any leftovers!
DeleteCongratulations on the release of THE SECRET OF SWEET TREATS KINGDOM! I know it will be a great success. ๐
ReplyDeleteThank you for the Potluck Beans recipe. Sounds delicious and I think I could smell it while reading the recipe. I know it will be a great hit here. I can definitely see where it could be a side or the main course.
Our sides for barbecues can vary greatly depending on the main course and whims. For potlucks, my go to and most recommended dish is the Green Bean & Shoepeg Corn Casserole. It’s not your typical green bean casserole and I’m very often asked for the recipe. So much so that when I take the dish somewhere, I go ahead and print of a recipe or two to carry with me. ๐
Not entering the contest since I’ve been blessed to have already read this fabulous FIVE STAR book.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Thanks so much, Kay! I haven't heard of a Green Bean and Shoepeg Corn Casserole but if it's one of your favs then I know it would be delicious!
DeleteGreen Bean & Shoepeg Corn Casserole
DeleteIngredients
1 can French style green beans - drained
1 can White shoepeg whole kernel corn - drained
1 can Cream of celery soup
1 ½ cup Grated cheddar cheese
½ cup Sour cream
½ cup Onion - chopped
1 can Water chestnuts, chopped finely
For Topping:
1 roll Ritz crackers, crumbled - rolls are smaller now - use a bit more
1 stick Butter – melted
Directions
Place the green beans into casserole dish.
Top with the shoepeg corn.
Mix all other ingredients except for the toppings. Pour on top of the corn layer.
Mix the cracker crumbs and melted butter together and the top the casserole with the mixture,
Bake uncovered for 40 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
I do make beans for potlucks. Also, sliced cold watermelon is another dish I like to bring to potlucks. Thank you for your recipe - it sounds like a must try! If I am the winner i would like the print copy please.
ReplyDeletemadamhawk at gmail dot com
Cold watermelon is the perfect fruit on a hot summer day! Plus it appeals to every age group from the toddler to the grandparents!
DeleteI love watermelon! But, unfortunately, nobody else in my home loves it, too. So, I pay more for a smaller piece so I don't throw out most of it :(
DeleteDuring the summer I make yummy and refreshing bruschetta. This has been a favorite every year. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteBruschetta is such a great appetizer, especially when made with homegrown tomatoes! Yum!
DeleteThank you for the chance to win AlAm22@msn.com
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Amanda!
DeleteI like to make a pasta salad.
ReplyDeleteayancey1974(at)gmail(dot)com
I like how versatile pasta salad can be, Anita, which makes it a great side dish to share!
Deletepasta salad pmr3956 (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteSounds delicious and is always a barbecue side dish favorite!
DeleteOne of my favorite sides to make for picnics is a marinated vegie salad. Easy to make, take and customize to match what your family likes. I usually use hard vegies, like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, sweet peppers as they hold up well and absorb the vinaigrette well (plus it can sit out for awhile without needing refrigeration.) I make it a day or two ahead and let it sit in the fridge.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like the perfect side dish, Marcia, and healthy too! I really worry about mayo-based salads and sitting out too long in the heat.
DeleteMy favorite side dish at summertime cookouts is potato salad!!
ReplyDeletebaker.sally1969@gmail.com
That's a super popular side dish, Sally! And I like how there are so many different variations to suit people's taste.
DeleteSomething I used to like to make, for potlucks is a dessert called Hot Fudge Sundae Cake. Or barbecues, my favorite side to make was, tuna salad cones. johnlong83@rocketmail.com . I prefer print books, please.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness... Hot Fudge Sundae Cake sounds absolutely fabulous! I'll bet there's never any left over at the end of the potluck!
DeleteCongratulations ๐ I love pasta salad. Or potato salad!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Pasta and/or potato salads are definitely staple side dishes at our potlucks!
DeleteBrownies are my go-to for picnics. Easy to make ahead on a busy schedule. margaretpawloski@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYes please to brownies! I don't think I've ever attended a potluck or picnic where there wasn't at least one plate of brownies, thankfully!
DeleteI highly commend your use of Bush's Beans in your recipe. They are fabulous products. If you are ever in Pigeon Forge, TN be sure to visit Chestnut Hill, TN where Bush's Beans are made. They have a nice museum, cafe, and gift shop and Visitor's Center. I love baked beans as a cookout side. I also like baked whole onions. Just peel the onion and cut off the top. Sprinkle seasonings on the onion and top with a pat of butter. Cook until onion is cooked through.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
Thanks for the recommendation for Bush's Beans museum, cafe, and gift shop! I've never given it any thought that it was anything more than a manufacturing plant so now I'm intrigued about the story behind the product.
DeleteI like potato salad.
ReplyDeleteKit3247@aol.com
Potato salad definitely lends itself to being a barbecue or potluck staple!
DeleteLooks great, Kim!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Molly!
DeleteI usually make a corn salad or a macaroni salad for summer potlucks. But I am going try your bean recipe. I think my husband and I would really enjoy it with some corn bread
ReplyDeleteSissie_sue@yahoo.com
I hope you enjoy it, Linda! Cornbread is always enjoyed in my household, even without the beans :)
DeleteCongratulations on the release of your new book! It looks really good.
ReplyDeleteFaithdcreech@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Faith!
DeleteI love potato salad for a BBQ. This sounds delicious and perfect for cold winter nights too. aprilbluetx at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeletePotato salad seems to be a classic side for BBQs, April! And the flavoring can be so versatile too, to suit what's being served.
DeletePerfect side is watermelon...easy and everyone loves watermelon.
ReplyDeletelafabq at aol dot com
I have to agree with you 100%! I love watermelon (and any other types of melon), and always have some chopped and chilled, ready to eat during the summer.
DeleteI always make my lemon orzo pasta salad with extra sun-dried tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like such a great alternative to the typical pasta salad, Carmela! The lemon makes it sound refreshing and light too.
DeleteWhat an interesting recipe, dear Kim❣️ Thank you so much for sharing it. My favorite side dish is Russian Potato Salad that my daughter in law makes ๐Happy Father’s Day to all Fathers, and to all Mothers for putting with us ๐JOY!!! Luis at ole dot travel
ReplyDeleteHow lucky, Luis, to have your daughter-in-law make such a delicious and hearty side dish for the family! Happy Father's Day to you as well!
DeleteDefinitely stick to the ribs!
ReplyDeletelibbydodd at comcast dot net
Most definitely, Libby! It's one of the reasons it makes such a great main course :)
DeleteMy side dish is potato salad. It would be fantastic with your baked beans. 3labsmom(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeletePotato salad is definitely a fan favorite at barbecues and potlucks!
DeleteKim, this looks good! I like your lighter take on the recipe. When making it for myself, I'd probably use turkey bacon too. It sounds perfect for a potluck or family barbecue. Congratulations on the new release!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ang! I never think about turkey bacon since I like the pre-cooked Costco bacon and keep it in the freezer for last minute needs :) But it would be a great choice for this recipe!
DeleteI love fresh corn on the cob with any b-b-q food. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI adore fresh corn on the cob and I'm just now seeing it show up at the farmers' market. It's even better served alongside barbecue!
DeleteI usually bring homemade mac and cheese and a feta salad to a BBQ. Congratulations on the new release!
ReplyDeletejarjm1980(at)hotmail(dot)com
If someone brought homemade mac and cheese to one of our barbecues, I don't think I'd want to eat anything else...yum!
DeleteWhat a great Father's Day (and summer BBQ side dish) recipe, Kim. I like the adjustments you made, as well. Thank you so much for sharing, and Marc and I hope you have a delicious summer!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cleo! I'm always on the lookout for finding ways to make a dish just a little bit healthier :)
DeleteWe stuff cubanelle peppers with crumbled italian sausage and shredded mozzarella. We carefully cut the top out so that it can be re-inserted after they're filled and fastened in with toothpicks.
ReplyDelete042bad@gmail.com
Peppers with sausage and cheese sounds like the perfect match, Barbara! I'd find it hard to eat just one :)
DeleteI like chips and dip! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun side for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks, Linda! We often have tortilla chips, salsa, and guacamole, and I'll have to admit I've filled up on those before the main course and sides were ever served.
DeleteYour recipe sounds delicious, I'm definitely going to have to give it a try. My favorite side dish to take to a cookout is my Mom's corn salad. It's always been one of my favorites. Looking forward to reading your new book.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
How special to have your mom's recipe for corn salad! I'm sure it brings back special memories every time you make it, Dianne!
DeleteI love making potato salad. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI do love beans but also a nice potato salad ktpotat@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the release of your children book!
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I learned about potluck beans! Thank you for sharing the recipe! My favorite side dish is sweet potato fries (cooked in the air fryer)! We found some really good frozen sweet potatoes at Trader Joe's and we love them!
cwkuen(at)yahoo(dot)com
Oohh, I love sweet potato fries and the air fryer makes it so easy to fix them! I'll have to check out Trader Joe's version soon. Thanks for the recommendation, Emily!
Deletepotato salad
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
My favorite dish to take is potato salad. I can't wait to try your recipe, I love beans. (I don't know how to post without it being "anonymous) ~~ Rhonda Sowers
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy the Potluck Beans, Rhonda! They'll make a great side dish to go with your potato salad too :)
Deleteoops I forgot to add my email with my comment ~ minibuttercookie(at)yahoo(dot)com ~~ Rhonda Sowers
ReplyDeleteThe recipe sounds great! Just in time for those summer potlucks. And congratulations on your new book!
ReplyDeleteThank you and I hope you enjoy the recipe! Happy potlucking :)
DeleteI usually take baked beans to a cookout. I would love to win a copy of Essentials of Death. Thank you for the chance. baileybounce2@att.net
ReplyDeleteI enjoy baked beans as much as I enjoy these Potluck Beans! I think the taste is similar.
DeleteI usually make maca and cheese or a pasta salad. anitalklaboe(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love mac and cheese but it doesn't seem to be a side dish that ever makes it to a potluck or barbecue in my area. Veggie pasta salad is very popular though!
DeleteMy favorite BBQ side dish is fresh cut fruit. bonnieweinman@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSweet summer fruit is the perfect accompaniment to barbecues, especially watermelon!
DeleteFruit salad
ReplyDeleteBmijrkd@gmail.com
I love fruit salad especially when someone else does all the slicing and dicing of the fruit :)
DeleteI make potato salad for bbq
ReplyDeletedotmorrow@hotmail.com
That seems to be one of the most popular side dishes for barbecues!
DeleteCongratulations on your release! I just make sweet corn on the cob. gginoza@aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Kim!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new book release!
I love overnight salad my barbecue food.๐ฅฐ
Sherry Brown
ozdot4@sbcglobal.net