Boston is famous for their Baked Beans and though they are good they hardly stand up to my hug-worthy Bama Baked Beans. These beans will make a ridiculous side dish for your next BBQ or pool party but they are hearty (and meaty) enough to stand alone as an entree. They feature crispy bacon lardons ...more
Boston is famous for their Baked Beans and though they are good they hardly stand up to my hug-worthy Bama Baked Beans. These beans will make a ridiculous side dish for your next BBQ or pool party but they are hearty (and meaty) enough to stand alone as an entree. They feature crispy bacon lardons, ground beef and strips of bacon as garnish. You know if bacon is used as a garnish it’s gotta be good.
Prep: 20 mins
| Cook: 45 mins
| Extra time: 5 mins, cooling
1.
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.
Render bacon lardons in a large skillet over medium-low heat until very crispy adding the onion for the last 3 to 5 minutes of cooking. Remove the bacon mix and reserve.
3.
In the same pan (wiped free of excess grease) cook the ground beef, seasoned to taste with BBQ rub and a dash of cinnamon, until done. Drain most of the liquid and add 2 tablespoons brown sugar then stir until dissolved. Add the bacon mix and stir to mix. Fold in the baked beans, mustard, 3 tablespoons brown sugar and another dash of cinnamon.
4.
In a 9 inch square baking dish spread the last tablespoons of brown sugar. Pour in the bean mixture. Lightly season the top of the bean mix with BBQ rub then top with slices of bacon.
5.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes in the preheated oven or until the bacon is crisp and the beans are bubbling hot. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Alternate method
Try substituting maple syrup for some of the brown sugar. Finely diced bell pepper will add a fresh flavor punch and a burst of color.
Family loved this! Adding too much rub on top right before you put into the oven can cause this to be just a touch too salty - so taste before going too wild.