There is something irresistibly comforting about a classic dish that brings together smoky, savory, and sweet flavors all in one bite, and this Bacon Baked Beans Recipe does exactly that. Imagine tender beans soaking up the rich umami from crispy bacon and ground beef, layered with tangy barbecue sauce and mustard for that perfect balance. Whether it’s for a weekend barbecue, a hearty family dinner, or a potluck favorite, this recipe combines simple, everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Bacon Baked Beans Recipe plays a crucial role, adding depth, flavor, and texture. From the smoky bacon to the rich baked beans and the lively mustard kick, every element contributes to a harmonious, hearty dish you will crave again and again.
- Ground beef (90% lean): Adds meaty richness and body, making the beans more substantial and filling.
- Bacon: Brings smoky, crispy goodness that defines the recipe’s savory base.
- Yellow onion (chopped): Provides sweetness and a tender bite when sautéed, balancing the smoky flavors.
- Baked beans (28-oz can): The star bean variety that’s already seasoned, adding a creamy texture and sweet undertone.
- Pork and beans (15-oz can): Enhances the meatiness and contributes to the authentic baked bean taste.
- Black beans (2 30-oz cans, drained and rinsed): Offers a firmer texture and earthy flavor to contrast the softer baked beans.
- Barbecue sauce: Adds tangy sweetness and depth—Sweet Baby Ray’s is a perfect choice.
- Yellow mustard: Delivers a sharp, tangy bite that cuts through the richness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Packs a complex umami punch that rounds out the dish beautifully.
How to Make Bacon Baked Beans Recipe
Step 1: Brown the ground beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. This develops a deep, savory base for your beans and adds a hearty texture. Once browned, transfer the beef to a large bowl and discard the excess fat to avoid greasiness, keeping the flavors rich but balanced.
Step 2: Cook the bacon
Using the same skillet adds wonderful continuity of flavor. Cook the bacon until crisp either in chunks or strips—you can chop it beforehand or crumble it later for that classic bacon bite. Reserve about a tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan to cook the onions, then transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 3: Preheat the oven
Get your oven ready by heating it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for baking the beans undisturbed at first, allowing the flavors to meld before lowering the heat.
Step 4: Sauté the onions
In the skillet with the reserved bacon grease, sauté the chopped yellow onions until they turn translucent and soft—this takes about 5 to 8 minutes. This gentle cooking process brings out their natural sweetness, which complements the smoky bacon and savory beef.
Step 5: Combine all ingredients
In your large bowl, mix together the browned beef, crispy bacon, sautéed onions, baked beans, pork and beans, and black beans. Pour in the barbecue sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well to combine. Give this mixture a taste and adjust the barbecue sauce if you want a sweeter, tangier kick. This step is key to layering your flavors before baking.
Step 6: Bake at 400 degrees
Transfer the bean mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. This initial baking time heats everything through and helps the top begin to caramelize slightly.
Step 7: Lower heat and cover
Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees and cover the dish with foil. Bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. This slower cook melts the flavors together, thickens the beans, and lets the aroma fill your kitchen invitingly.
Step 8: Optional broil for crispy topping
If you love a bit of crispy, slightly charred bacon flavor, broil the beans uncovered for a couple of minutes at the end. It’s an optional indulgence that brings a delightful contrast to the tender beans below. Serve the dish hot and get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Bacon Baked Beans Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor that brightens up the rich beans. For a bit of unexpected texture and heat, try adding crispy fried shallots or a pinch of smoked paprika on top before serving.
Side Dishes
This Bacon Baked Beans Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats like juicy steaks, chicken thighs, or ribs. Serve alongside cornbread or a crunchy coleslaw for a classic barbecue ensemble that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the beans into hollowed-out baked potatoes or serve them over creamy mashed potatoes. They also make an excellent topping for nachos or loaded baked potato skins, turning this homey side dish into a party favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bacon baked beans should be cooled to room temperature, then transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days and taste even better as the flavors continue to meld overnight.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Place cooled beans in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When frozen, the beans may separate slightly but will regain their texture after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat with occasional stirring. Add a splash of water or broth if the beans seem too thick. For best texture, finish by broiling for a few minutes to restore some crispiness if desired.
FAQs
Can I use different types of beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for baked beans, pork and beans, and black beans, feel free to experiment with kidney beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans. The overall flavor will remain delicious, just slightly different in texture and color.
Is it necessary to brown the ground beef before mixing?
Browning the ground beef adds a deeper flavor and better texture to the dish. It also removes excess fat, preventing the beans from becoming greasy. Skipping this step may result in a less rich and hearty final product.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and bacon and substitute with smoked tempeh or a smoky vegetarian bacon alternative. Use vegetable broth in place of meat juices and adjust seasoning to taste for a satisfying meat-free version.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Bacon Baked Beans Recipe is mildly tangy and smoky without being spicy. You can easily add a touch of heat by incorporating cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños when mixing the ingredients for a spicy kick.
What if I don’t have barbecue sauce on hand?
If you run out of barbecue sauce, you can substitute with a mix of ketchup, a splash of vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika to mimic the sweet and smoky flavors. This homemade version works well and won’t compromise the savory depth of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Baked Beans Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s simple to prepare, richly flavorful, and versatile enough to fit any casual meal or festive occasion. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every savory, smoky spoonful as much as I do. Happy cooking!
Print
Bacon Baked Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Bacon Baked Beans recipe combining ground beef, crispy bacon, multiple types of beans, and a tangy barbecue sauce baked to perfection. This savory dish makes a perfect side or main for gatherings, offering a delicious blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors with a rich, satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Meat and Proteins
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 pound bacon
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
Beans
- 1 28-oz can baked beans (Bush’s Original suggested)
- 1 15-oz can pork and beans
- 2 30-oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
Condiments and Sauces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Rays recommended)
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and transfer to a large bowl, discarding the excess fat left in the pan.
- Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. You may chop it before cooking or crumble after cooking, based on preference. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper-towel lined plate to drain, saving only 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan and discarding the rest.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get it ready for baking the beans.
- Sauté the Onions: Using the reserved tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet, sauté the chopped yellow onions over medium heat until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5 to 8 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In the large bowl with the browned ground beef, add the cooked bacon, sautéed onions, baked beans, pork and beans, black beans, barbecue sauce, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything thoroughly. Taste the mixture and add additional barbecue sauce if desired for extra flavor.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the combined bean mixture into a 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake at 400°F: Place the pan in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the top to begin crisping.
- Bake Covered at 350°F: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C), cover the pan tightly with foil, and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes to thoroughly heat and soften the beans.
- Optional Broil for Crispy Top: For an extra crispy and slightly charred top, remove the foil and broil the beans on high for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning beyond preference.
- Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and serve the baked beans hot for a delicious and filling dish.
Notes
- Use 90% lean ground beef to reduce excessive fat and grease.
- Draining and rinsing canned beans reduces sodium content and prevents the dish from becoming too thick or salty.
- If you prefer less smoky flavor, substitute the bacon with smoked sausage or omit it.
- Adjust barbecue sauce quantity to taste; adding more will enhance sweetness and tanginess.
- The broiling step is optional but adds a flavorful crunchy top layer.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
