The Best Baked Beans

“The Best Baked Beans” is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines a medley of beans with rich, smoky bacon, and a sweet and tangy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue, potluck, or as a comforting side dish for any meal.

The combination of different beans adds texture, while the molasses, brown sugar, and ketchup create a deliciously sticky and satisfying glaze. It’s baked to perfection, with a crispy bacon topping that enhances the overall flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

The Best Baked Beans

Ingredients

½ yellow onion, diced

½ pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 clove of garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

¾ cup ketchup

¼ cup molasses

1 tsp Hot Sauce, optional

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp yellow mustard

½ tsp black pepper

⅔ cup brown sugar, packed

15 ounces pinto beans, drained and rinsed

15 ounces red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

15 ounces butter beans, drained and rinsed

15 ounces beans in tomato sauce

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 375*

Using a heavy skillet, cook the bacon

Step 2:

Set cooked bacon to the side and let it cool

Drain half of the bacon grease, put chopped onion and bell pepper in the pan and let saute

Step 3:

Add in the garlic and let it cook on low for 30 minutes

In a large mixing bowl, add the onions, bell pepper, seasonings and the 4 cans of beans and half of the crumbled bacon

Step 4:

Pour into a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil and bake for one hour

Uncover, sprinkle the remaining bacon on the top and bake for an additional 10 minutes

Notes:

Bean Variety: The recipe uses a mix of pinto beans, red kidney beans, butter beans, and beans in tomato sauce. This combination provides a variety of textures and flavors, making the dish more interesting and hearty.

Bacon: Cooking the bacon until crispy adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the sauce. Half of the bacon is mixed into the beans, while the other half is used as a topping for added crunch.

Sweetness: The brown sugar and molasses create a rich, sweet base for the sauce. If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or molasses.

Tangy Flavor: The combination of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard adds a tangy element to balance the sweetness. You can adjust these ingredients to taste, depending on your preference.

Optional Heat: The hot sauce is optional, allowing you to control the level of spiciness. If you like a bit of kick, don’t hesitate to add your favorite hot sauce.

Cooking Method: Baking the beans in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and creates a thick, caramelized sauce. The final 10 minutes of uncovered baking helps to crisp up the bacon topping.

Serving Suggestions: These baked beans are versatile and pair well with grilled meats, burgers, or as a side dish for barbecues. They can also be served as a main dish with cornbread or a salad.

Make-Ahead: The dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving. It also reheats well, making it great for leftovers.

Customizations: You can customize the recipe by adding ingredients like diced jalapeños for heat, or even pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist.

Nutritional Consideration: This dish is rich and flavorful, but it’s also high in fat and sugar. Consider portion sizes or adjusting ingredients if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, you can customize the recipe by using other types of beans like black beans, navy beans, or great northern beans.

The key is to maintain a mix of different textures for a more interesting dish.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and using a plant-based alternative.

You might also consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor of bacon.

How can I make the dish less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can cut down on the brown sugar and molasses.

You can also use a less sweet ketchup or reduce the amount of ketchup used.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious.

Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

What can I serve with these baked beans?

These baked beans pair well with grilled meats, barbecue dishes, burgers, or even as a side for a picnic or potluck.

They’re also great with cornbread or a fresh salad.

Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker.

Cook the bacon, sauté the vegetables, and then combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the flavors have melded together.

How can I make the dish spicier?

To add more heat, you can increase the amount of hot sauce or add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the mix.

You can also use a spicier variety of bacon.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, these baked beans freeze well.

Store them in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.

What can I do if the dish is too thick?

If the beans are too thick, you can thin them out by adding a little water, broth, or additional tomato sauce until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a lower-fat alternative.

Keep in mind that turkey bacon might not be as rich or flavorful as pork bacon, but it can still add a nice texture and a bit of smokiness to the dish.