Baked Beans with Bacon – A Comfort Food Classic
Introduction
Baked Beans with Bacon is one of those timeless comfort food dishes that works perfectly as a side or even a main meal. It’s rich, savory, and slightly sweet, with a smoky kick that makes it incredibly satisfying. The combination of tender baked beans, crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and a perfectly balanced sauce of brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire creates layers of flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re making this for a backyard BBQ, a holiday dinner, or just a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is easy, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please a crowd.
Ingredients
- 4 cups canned baked beans
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Place a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped bacon and cook slowly, allowing the fat to render out, until the pieces are crispy and golden.
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the flavorful bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Sauté the Onion
Add the diced onion to the bacon grease.
Cook over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
This step infuses the onion with smoky bacon flavor.
3. Mix the Beans and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked beans, brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
Stir in the sautéed onions and mix until all the ingredients are well blended.
4. Assemble for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour the bean mixture into a medium-sized baking dish.
Sprinkle the crispy bacon evenly over the top.
5. Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the beans are bubbling and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot as a side dish for grilled meats, fried chicken, or burgers.
You can also enjoy it as a stand-alone meal with a slice of fresh bread or cornbread.
Recipe Tips
- For a deeper smoky flavor – use hickory-smoked bacon or add a dash of liquid smoke.
- Make ahead – you can prepare this dish the night before and reheat before serving.
- Extra sweetness – if you prefer sweeter baked beans, add 1 more tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Texture variation – add chopped bell peppers for a little crunch and color.
Estimated Nutrition per Serving (1 cup)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
FAQ – Common Questions
Q: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, just cook the beans fully before starting the recipe. You may need to add extra liquid such as tomato sauce or broth.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. After cooking the bacon and onions, combine everything in the slow cooker and heat on low for 4–5 hours.
Q: How can I make this vegetarian?
Skip the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing the onion. Add a touch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to keep the smoky flavor.