Description
A classic recipe for Baked Beans Ever combines smoky bacon, tender sautéed onions and peppers, and flavorful pork and beans simmered in a tangy-sweet barbecue sauce. Baked slowly in the oven until bubbling and thickened, this comforting dish makes a perfect side for barbecues, picnics, or hearty family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, halved
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 medium green pepper, chopped
- 3 (28-oz.) cans pork and beans
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup distilled or cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard or 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Adjust oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for slow baking.
- Cook bacon: Fry the bacon slices in a large, deep sauté pan until partially cooked and about 1/4 cup of drippings are rendered. Then remove the bacon and drain on paper towels to crisp.
- Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion and green pepper to the bacon drippings in the pan and sauté until tender, approximately 5 minutes, to develop flavor.
- Simmer beans: Add the pork and beans along with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors. If the pan is too small, warm the beans separately, then combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the flavored bean mixture into a greased 13-by-9-inch ovenproof baking dish. Arrange the cooked bacon pieces on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, until the beans are bubbly and the sauce thickens to the consistency of pancake syrup.
- Rest and serve: Let the beans stand for a few minutes after baking to thicken slightly before serving warm as a hearty, flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For a tangier kick, use cider vinegar instead of distilled vinegar.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on taste preferences.
- Leftover beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetarian beans with a smoky barbecue sauce.
- If the sauce reduces too much during baking, cover loosely with foil halfway through to prevent drying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
