Description
This hearty and flavorful canned baked beans recipe elevates simple canned beans with a medley of fresh vegetables, spices, and smoky bacon. Baked to bubbly perfection with a caramelized top, it serves as a perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Vegetables
- 2 cans baked beans with juices (28 ounces each)
- 1/3 cup diced onions
- 1/3 cup diced green bell peppers
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
Other Ingredients
- 5 bacon slices, cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the baked beans with juices, diced onions, diced green bell peppers, seeded and diced jalapeño, ketchup, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and liquid smoke until evenly combined.
- Mix in Bacon: Stir in most of the cooked and chopped bacon, reserving a small portion for topping later. Prepare a 2-quart baking dish by lightly greasing it with nonstick spray or brushing with oil.
- Pour Mixture: Transfer the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon evenly over the surface.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the beans to heat through gently.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes or until the top becomes bubbly and caramelized, creating a delicious crust.
- Rest Before Serving: Take the baked beans out of the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly before serving. Enjoy as a flavorful side dish or hearty comfort food.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, you can add a dash more liquid smoke, but be cautious as it can be overpowering.
- Feel free to substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- If you prefer spicier beans, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- The dish can be prepared a day ahead; simply cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed before serving.
- Use a 2-quart baking dish to ensure even cooking without spilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked beans, canned beans recipe, smoky baked beans, bacon baked beans, side dish, barbecue side
