Baked Beans with Bacon

Introduction

These Baked Beans with Bacon are a classic barbecue side dish that always steals the show at any cookout. With smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, these beans are packed with delicious ingredients such as thick-cut bacon, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and green peppers. The bacon bakes on top, creating a rich and crispy topping that is unforgettable. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, these beans are a must-have at any summer gathering.

Ingredients

• 8 slices thick-cut bacon, halved
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• ½ medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 (28-oz) cans pork and beans
• ¾ cup barbecue sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup distilled or apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard or 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Adjust the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat to 325°F (163°C).
2. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a large sauté pan over medium heat until it has released about ¼ cup of fat and is partially cooked (not crispy). Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the bacon drippings in the pan. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Prepare the Bean Mixture: Add the pork and beans to the pan, then stir in the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Bake the Beans: Transfer the bean mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Lay the partially cooked bacon slices on top. Bake for about 2 hours, until the bacon is crispy and the sauce has thickened to a pancake syrup consistency.
6. Let It Stand: Allow the beans to cool and thicken slightly before serving.

Conclusion

These Baked Beans with Bacon are an absolute hit at any cookout, combining smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors with the rich taste of crispy bacon on top. Easy to prepare and perfect for summer gatherings, these beans pair excellently with grilled meats like ribs, chicken, or burgers. Make them once, and they’ll become a requested favorite at every event!