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close up of Southern brown sugar baked beans in a cast iron pan on a wooden cutting board

Southern Brown Sugar Baked Beans

This Southern Brown Sugar Baked Beans recipe transforms basic canned baked beans into something magical. This Summer favorite includes beef bacon making it pork-free, but can easily be excluded as a plant-based option. It's thick, sweet, savory and hearty and the perfect addition to any bbq, cookout or family gathering.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10
Calories: 89kcal
Author: Meiko Temple

Ingredients

  • 6 strips beef bacon cut into 1/2 inch peices
  • 2 (28 oz) cans vegetarian baked beans, (Bush's® original)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 large bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tablespoon garlic powder,
  • 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika,
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar,
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce,
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup,
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard,
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup,
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt,
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • chopped green onions, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F degrees.
  • On medium-high heat, fry bacon in a large (oven-safe)heavy bottom skillet or pot until browned. Remove bacon from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Preserve the leftover bacon grease in the skillet.
  • On medium heat and add onions, bell pepper, and jalapeno. Sauté for 5 minutes then add garlic and saute for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, hot sauce,  Worcestershire sauce, mustard, syrup, salt, and pepper. Bring to a light boil for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cooked bacon.
  • Carefully transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for additional 30 minutes until bubbly and the sauce thickens to a deep amber color. Garnish with chopped green onion and serve warm.
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Nutrition

Serving: 8g | Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 171mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 728IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Equipment

Measuring Tools
Chef's Knife
Cutting Board
Cast Iron Skillet - 12 inch
Paper Towel
Slotted Spoon
Can Opener

*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.

**The equipment section above contains affiliate links to products I use and love. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.