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Savory Loaded Baked Bean Casserole with Crispy Brown Sugar Bacon

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A hearty and flavorful baked bean casserole topped with crispy caramelized brown sugar bacon, perfect for casual dinners and potlucks. This dish combines tender baked beans, sautéed vegetables, and a sweet-savory bacon crunch for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups baked beans (about two 28-ounce cans), drained slightly
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, generously coated with brown sugar
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium. Cook until the bacon starts to crisp but is still pliable, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each slice and flip carefully to coat the other side. Continue cooking until the bacon is crispy and caramelized, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  4. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve some rendered bacon fat in the pan.
  5. Add olive oil or butter to the bacon fat if needed. Toss in the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat for 5–6 minutes, stirring often until softened and fragrant.
  6. Add minced garlic for the last minute, stirring to avoid burning.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained baked beans, sautéed veggies, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, mustard powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to blend the flavors.
  8. Pour the bean mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
  9. Crumble about half of the brown sugar bacon over the top, saving the rest for garnish after baking.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the casserole bubbles around the edges and the top looks set and slightly golden.
  11. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon over the top, and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Start cooking bacon in a cold pan over medium heat to allow the brown sugar to caramelize slowly without burning. Drain baked beans slightly to avoid a soupy casserole. For a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning. Vegetarian version can be made by omitting bacon and adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke and topping with crispy fried onions. Double-check Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free compliance or substitute with coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked bean casserole, brown sugar bacon, comfort food, potluck recipe, savory casserole, easy dinner, baked beans, crispy bacon

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/savory-loaded-baked-bean-casserole-with-crispy-brown-sugar-bacon-recipe/