Homemade Baked Beans (Printer-Friendly)

Savory baked beans featuring smoky bacon, molasses, and a rich, thick sauce perfect for any cookout.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meat

01 - 6 slices bacon

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

→ Canned Goods

03 - 48 ounces pork and beans (three 16-ounce cans or six 8-ounce cans)

→ Condiments and Sweeteners

04 - 1/4 cup ketchup
05 - 2 tablespoons molasses
06 - 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
07 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
08 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

→ Seasonings

09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps to Make This:

01 - Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled, reserving 1/4 cup of the bacon grease in the pan.
02 - Add the finely chopped onion to the reserved bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until translucent. If insufficient grease remains, add a small amount of oil to the pan.
03 - Add the cooked bacon, pork and beans, ketchup, molasses, mustard, maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
04 - Transfer the mixture to an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes until bubbly and browned.
05 - For thicker consistency, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
06 - Remove from oven, give the beans a final stir, and serve warm as a flavorful side dish.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Beans can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and reheated in the oven before serving.
02 - Continuing to bake after removing the foil thickens the sauce for a richer texture.
03 - Add cooked ground meat or jalapeños to customize flavor and bulk if desired.
04 - To store leftovers, cool to room temperature and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.