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Loaded Baked Bean Casserole Recipe Easy Homemade Bacon and Brown Sugar Delight

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A cozy, sweet and smoky baked bean casserole with crispy bacon and brown sugar, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) baked beans (preferably Heinz or Bush’s)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar (about 100 g)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
  • ½ cup ketchup (120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add butter to the bacon fat, then sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic for the last 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine baked beans (with sauce), sautéed onions and garlic, brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir well to blend.
  5. Crumble about two-thirds of the cooked bacon into the bean mixture and fold gently. Pour mixture into the casserole dish and smooth the top.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces evenly over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor. Fresh garlic is preferred but garlic powder can be substituted. If casserole dries out, add a splash of water or broth before baking. Broil for last 2-3 minutes for extra golden crust, watching closely. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut or neutral oil. For gluten-free, verify canned beans and Worcestershire sauce labels.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked bean casserole, bacon casserole, brown sugar, comfort food, easy casserole, quick dinner, potluck dish

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/loaded-baked-bean-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-bacon-and-brown-sugar-delight/