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Savory Loaded Baked Bean Casserole Recipe with Bacon and Brown Sugar

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A comforting and flavorful baked bean casserole layered with smoky bacon, brown sugar glaze, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) baked beans
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • ½ cup (100 g) dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet with bacon fat, sauté chopped onions over medium heat until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine baked beans, kidney beans, sautéed onions and garlic, cooked bacon (reserve a small handful for topping), barbecue sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Pour the bean mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  6. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until bubbling and thickened around the edges.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole and scatter reserved crispy bacon pieces on top.
  8. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden, and casserole is hot and bubbly.
  9. Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if using, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook bacon low and slow for best crispiness. Reserve some bacon for topping to add texture contrast. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving to set. If cheese doesn’t melt evenly, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Use good quality beans and dark brown sugar for richer flavor. Can substitute turkey bacon or vegetarian beans for dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked bean casserole, bacon, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, comfort food, potluck recipe, easy dinner, smoky baked beans

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/savory-loaded-baked-bean-casserole-recipe-with-bacon-and-brown-sugar-easy-and-perfect/