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
Scale
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.
