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Budget-Friendly BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon

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A simple, budget-friendly baked beans recipe with smoky bacon, brown sugar caramelized sauce, and tangy BBQ flavors. Perfect for casual cookouts or easy weeknight sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups Great Northern Beans or Navy Beans, canned (about 2 standard 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Optional: maple syrup instead of brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain excess fat but keep the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and uniform.
  4. Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly. Add beans and cooked bacon pieces to the mixing bowl with the sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Pour the bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  6. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes. About halfway through (around 30 minutes), give the beans a gentle stir to redistribute the sauce and prevent sticking.
  7. Check that the beans are tender and the sauce is thick and caramelized. If too dry, add a splash of water or apple juice before finishing.
  8. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best flavor and texture. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and canned flavor. Stir halfway through baking to prevent sticking. For vegetarian option, omit bacon and add smoked paprika and liquid smoke. Can be made spicier with cayenne or jalapeños. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, BBQ baked beans, bacon baked beans, easy baked beans, budget-friendly recipe, homemade baked beans, smoky baked beans, comfort food

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/budget-friendly-bbq-baked-beans-with-bacon-easy-homemade-recipe/