Cowboy Baked Beans

Hearty, slightly sweet baked beans with smoky notes — perfect for family dinners or a potluck.

Ingredients

• 2 (15 oz) cans baked beans (or 800 g prepared beans)
• 6–8 slices bacon, chopped (or use smoked turkey bacon)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (or honey)
• 2 tbsp molasses (optional but recommended)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup diced bell pepper or 1/4 tsp smoked paprika for extra smokiness

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and leave ~1–2 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
3. Sauté onion (and bell pepper, if using) in the bacon fat until soft, 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
4. In a large bowl, combine the baked beans, cooked onion/garlic, crisp bacon (reserve a little for topping), ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire, and mustard. Stir until blended. Season with salt, pepper and smoked paprika if using.
5. Transfer mixture to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining bacon on top, and bake 5–10 more minutes to thicken and brown slightly.
6. Let rest 5 minutes, then serve warm.