This Best Baked Bean Casserole recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser, perfect for casual family get-togethers or summer barbecues. With its sweet and savory flavors, it is a true comfort food that everyone will love. The combination of tender beans, smoky bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that is easy to prepare. This casserole is hearty enough to be a main dish, or you can serve it as a side with grilled meats. It's a classic American recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) baked beans
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the bacon grease. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked beans, kidney beans, black beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooked bacon and sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the bean mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Pour the bean mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Interesting Facts
Baked beans are a traditional American dish that can be traced back to Native American cuisine.
This casserole can be made in advance and reheated, which makes it perfect for potlucks and parties.
You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients like ground beef, diced ham, or even pineapple chunks.
Leftovers of this baked bean casserole taste even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.