Jazzed Up Baked Beans
Ingredients:
2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
1/2 lb (225g) bacon, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup ketchup (optional, for extra tanginess)
Directions:
Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook in the bacon fat until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Prepare the Beans:
Add the baked beans, brown sugar, molasses, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the beans cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
Add Bacon:
Stir the cooked bacon back into the beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Optional Ketchup:
For a tangier flavor, stir in 1/2 cup of ketchup and cook for another 5 minutes.
Serve:
Serve the jazzed-up baked beans hot as a hearty side dish or main course. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings