Brown Sugar Bacon Beans
These traditional baked beans are slowly cooked in a deep, smoky-sweet, and tangy sauce, enriched with savory bacon and sautéed veggies.
Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon slices, cut in half | 10 |
| Yellow onion, finely diced | 1 |
| Green bell pepper, finely diced | ½ |
| Pork and beans | 1 can (54 oz) |
| Ketchup | 4 Tbsp |
| Molasses | ¼ cup |
| Brown sugar | 2/3 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | ¼ cup |
| Dry mustard | 2 tsp |
Instructions
1. Prep the Bacon
Cook the bacon until it’s about halfway done—still pliable rather than crisp. Place on paper towels to drain, keeping 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in a large skillet.
2. Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Move the rack to the lower-middle position and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
3. Cook the Vegetables
Warm the reserved bacon grease (or substitute with butter) in the skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
4. Mix Everything Together
Pour in the pork and beans along with the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and dry mustard. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about a minute.
5. Bake
Spread the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Lay the halved bacon pieces over the top. Bake for 2–3 hours, depending on how thick and caramelized you want the beans to be.
6. Let Rest and Serve
Allow the beans to stand for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy their warm, richly flavored goodness!
