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Mr. Sam

Semi-Homemade Baked Beans Hack

Semi-homemade baked beans are one of those barbecue side dishes that seem simple, yet they often become one of the most talked-about items on the table. They offer the rich, slow-cooked flavor of traditional homemade baked beans while saving time by starting with a quality canned baked bean base and enhancing it with fresh ingredients, seasonings, and smoky additions.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 28 Ounce Cans Pork & Beans Use a quality variety such as Bush's baked beans or grilling beans.
  • 1 Lb Bacon Diced.
  • 1 Onion Large & chopped.
  • 1 Cup Barbecue Sauce Your choice of sauce.
  • 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar Packed.
  • 1/2 Cup Ketchup
  • 2 Tbl Yellow Mustard
  • 1 Tbl Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Tbl Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tsp Pepper
  • 2 Tbl Molasses
  • 1 Jalapeno Optional to add heat. Diced.
  • 1/2 Cup Bourbon Optional.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly golden. If using jalapeño, add it during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
    Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
    Pork and beans, Cooked bacon, Sautéed onions, Barbecue sauce, Brown sugar, Ketchup, Mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Apple cider vinegar, Garlic powder, Black pepper and bourbon if using.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a 4-quart baking dish.
    Bake uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking. The beans are ready when the sauce is thick, bubbling, and slightly caramelized around the edges.
  5. Allow the beans to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For even deeper flavor, prepare the beans a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. Reheat slowly before serving. Like many barbecue favorites, baked beans often taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.