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Comforting BBQ Baked Beans Recipe with Thick-Cut Bacon and Brown Sugar

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A rich, smoky, and sweet baked beans recipe featuring thick-cut bacon and brown sugar, perfect for summer cookouts and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked navy beans (or one 28-ounce can, drained and rinsed)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons molasses (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 1/2 cup water or broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped thick-cut bacon for 6-8 minutes until crispy and fat is rendered. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Add chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Lower the heat and stir in brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly. Add a splash of water or broth if sauce is too thick.
  5. In a large bowl or directly in your oven-safe dish, mix cooked beans, sautéed onion mixture, and crispy bacon. Pour sauce over and fold gently to coat evenly.
  6. Transfer mixture to baking dish if not already there. Cover tightly with lid or foil and bake for 1 hour. Stir gently halfway through baking (around 30 minutes).
  7. Optional: Remove cover during last 10-15 minutes to thicken and caramelize the top layer, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  8. Let the beans rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to deepen and sauce to thicken.

Notes

If beans seem dry during baking, add a tablespoon or two of water to keep them saucy but not soupy. Stir halfway through baking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Adjust salt and sweetness to taste. For vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or sautéed mushrooms. Slow cooker option: cook on low 4-6 hours, adding bacon later to keep crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ baked beans, baked beans recipe, thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, summer cookout, smoky baked beans, easy side dish

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/comforting-bbq-baked-beans-recipe-with-thick-cut-bacon-and-brown-sugar-easy-and-perfect-for-summer-cookouts/