Sweet, smoky, and deeply savory, these baked beans are the definition of a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish. Tender beans are coated in a rich, glossy sauce made from brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and ketchup, then layered with crispy turkey bacon and aromatic onion. As the beans bake, the sauce thickens, the flavors meld, and the top turns beautifully caramelized. This dish fits just as naturally beside a backyard barbecue spread as it does on a cozy family dinner table.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 cups canned navy beans or pinto beans, drained
- 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature allows the beans to heat through slowly while giving the sauce enough time to thicken and develop deeper flavor without drying out.
- Place a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon to the dry pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces become browned and slightly crisp at the edges. Turkey bacon contains less fat than traditional bacon, so keep an eye on it and stir regularly to prevent sticking or burning.
- Once the turkey bacon is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps remove excess grease and preserves the crisp texture. Leave a small amount of rendered fat in the skillet, as it will be used to flavor the onion.
- Add the finely chopped onion directly into the skillet with the remaining fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and turns translucent. The goal is to gently sweat the onion, releasing its sweetness and aroma without browning it too much.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained beans. Ensure they are well-drained to avoid a watery final texture. Properly drained beans help the sauce cling better and bake into a thick, cohesive dish.
- Add the cooked turkey bacon and sautéed onion to the beans. Distribute them evenly so that every bite contains a balance of smoky, savory, and sweet elements.
- Sprinkle in the brown sugar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Each ingredient plays a specific role: brown sugar provides sweetness and caramelization, BBQ sauce adds smoky depth, ketchup contributes tanginess, mustard introduces mild sharpness, smoked paprika enhances the smoky profile, and black pepper rounds everything out with gentle heat.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly. Continue mixing until all the beans are evenly coated and the sauce appears smooth and glossy. No dry pockets or clumps of sugar should remain. The mixture should look rich and well combined.
- Transfer the bean mixture into an oven-safe baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. Spread it out into an even layer to ensure uniform heating and consistent caramelization across the surface.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. Baking uncovered is essential for reducing excess moisture and encouraging the top to caramelize. About halfway through the cooking time, carefully remove the dish and give the beans a gentle stir. This redistributes the sauce and prevents the edges from overcooking.
- Return the dish to the oven and continue baking until the beans are thick, bubbling, and slightly caramelized on top. The sauce should no longer look thin; instead, it should cling to the beans with a rich, velvety consistency.
- Remove the beans from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the sauce settle and thicken further, improving the final texture.
Pro Tip:
For extra depth of flavor, a small splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes can be added to balance the sweetness and introduce a subtle contrast. This simple adjustment can make the overall flavor profile more complex without overpowering the dish.