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Million Dollar Baked Beans


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  • Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 People 1x

Description

Rich, smoky baked beans studded with bacon and savory pork, then simmered in a sweet-tangy sauce of ketchup, mustard, molasses, and brown sugar. These “million dollar” beans are an indulgent side that will steal the show at any barbecue or potluck.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • cooking spray (To coat pan)
  • 10 ounces Thick-cut bacon (cut into 1″ pieces)
  • 8 ounces Bulk ground pork
  • 1 cup Onion (chopped)
  • 1 cup Bell pepper (chopped Any color)
  • 28 oz (28-oz.) cans Baked beans (Your favorite brand)
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup
  • 2 tbsp Brown sugar (Packed)
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Molasses
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp Apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Prep & Brown the Meats:

  1. Lightly coat a large skillet or Dutch oven with cooking spray and heat over medium.
  2. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crisp, about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper-towel–lined plate, reserving fat in the pan.
  3. Add ground pork to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon, and brown until no pink remains, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Sauté the Vegetables:

  1. To the pork, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté 4–5 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.

Build the Sauce:

  1. Stir in the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
  2. Return the cooked bacon (and any collected juices) to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer:

  1. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and flavors meld, about 20 minutes.

Finish (Optional):

  1. For an extra-deep flavor and bubbling top, transfer the beans to a 2-quart baking dish and bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or until hot and lightly caramelized on top.

Serve:

  1. Spoon the beans into a serving bowl or straight from the skillet. These are perfect alongside grilled meats, pulled pork sandwiches, or as a hearty standalone side.

Notes

  1. Make-Ahead: These beans taste even better reheated; prepare a day in advance and rewarm gently.
  2. Spice It Up: Stir in ½ tsp chili powder or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
  3. Vegetarian Version: Omit bacon and pork; substitute with smoked tempeh or extra bell peppers.
  4. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if too thick.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American, BBQ, Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Calories: 340