Easy Mexican Style Loaded Baked Beans with Peppers

Name: Easy Mexican Style Loaded Baked Beans with Peppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 (28 oz) can baked beans; 1/2 lb ground beef; 4 slices bacon, diced; 1 smoked sausage link, diced (about 1/4 lb); 1/4 cup diced onion; 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp BBQ seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/8 tsp garlic powder

Carmen FoodieFebruary 25, 2024

25 8 minutes read

Growing up, Sunday dinners at grandma’s house always promised a flavor revolution thanks to her Loaded Baked Beans. While the rest of the week’s meals were simple, these beans were a symphony for the mouth with their savory sauce of brown sugar, tangy mustard, and smoky flavors that warmed you up from the Inside. Bite after bite unveiled new textures – tender beans softening into the sauce alongside crisp bacon and chunks of juicy ground beef. A sprinkle of fresh herbs topped it off for that extra layer of aromatic sweetness. By the time I grabbed seconds, my inner critic had been silenced, and I was lost In the delicious world of grandma’s magical bean dish, forgetting all the sad and mushy memories of beans from yesteryear.

Loaded Baked Beans

It’s time to create everyone’s favorite summer side dish. Let’s get started making this classic Loaded baked beans recipe without further delay!

Why This Recipe is Awesome?

While some recipes can seem intimidating to a novice cook, I’ve found that cowboy baked beans recipe is one of the most forgiving and easy recipes to make without sacrificing the incredible flavor and beauty. Rather than juggling multiple pans and precise cooking times, you simply put all the ingredients into one pan and let them cook together into a hearty, comforting dish. It’s the perfect kind of recipe for busy weeknights when I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen thinking of creative ways to hit the spot for friends or family coming over. With grandma’s beans, I know I can just pop the pan in the oven and enjoy the servey when done – no stress involved! That’s why this recipe will always have a special place in my repertoire.

Ingredients You Will Need:

Ingredients	Purpose
Can of baked beans	Foundation for the dish, provides beans
Ground beef	Adds savory depth and protein
Sliced smoked sausage	Adds extra protein and smoky flavor
Slices of bacon	Provides crispy texture and smoky flavor
Diced onion	Adds crunch and veggie flavor
Diced green bell pepper	Adds crunch and veggie flavor
Dark brown sugar	Provides sweetness
Maple syrup	Adds sweetness
BBQ seasoning	Enhances savory flavor
Salt	Seasoning
Pepper	Seasoning
Garlic powder	Seasoning

How to Make the Best Loaded Baked Beans?

The first step is to cook the ground beef separately. Place a large cast iron pan over medium heat and cook the ground beef while generously seasoning it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain and set aside the grease in a bowl.

In another frying pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Then crumble it into small, bite-sized pieces and add them to the pan with the cooked ground beef. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, dice the raw bacon and mix straight into the bean mixture.

Once the bacon is cooked through, it’s time to assemble the ingredients. Dice the green peppers, onion, remaining bacon slices and smoked sausage chunks. No hot dogs allowed! Dump everything into the large cast iron pan with the cooked ground beef. This contains the mess and saves cleaning just one foil pan.

Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/63120832267885677/

To finish, place all the combined ingredients in the skillet. Then add the key liquid components like maple syrup, brown sugar and BBQ seasoning. A good stir fully incorporates the flavors. Pouring half a cup of water helps the dish come together while releasing moisture as it cooks down. For smoky goodness, place the pan in a smoker set to 225 degrees for one hour before increasing the temperature to 350 for 30-40 more minutes until the beans are tender and flavors are fused. Don’t worry if no smoker is available – the oven on 350 also does the trick. Just be sure to stir during the cooking process until the bacon is cooked through and vegetables are soft. Then serve up each plate piled high with this hearty loaded baked beans with ground beef and bacon. It’s sure to become a new family favorite!

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Liquid Smoke, Do You Need it?

There may be some who argue that liquid smoke isn’t a necessary ingredient, but I find that it adds such great depth of flavor to these loaded baked beans. The subtle hint of smokiness really makes the dish sing. However, if you can’t find a bottle at your local grocery store, don’t worry – there are some good alternatives to replace the flavor.

To me, the nuanced smokiness it provides is irreplaceable. It accentuates the deep savory flavors in a way that gently enhances rather than overpowers. When I make my loaded baked beans with sausage, the liquid smoke ties it all together into a richly layered symphony of textures and tastes. Family and friends always rave about the incredible depth of flavor, wondering what my secret is. I have to admit, liquid smoke is what really makes them sing.

Slow Cooked Beans

For those days when I want the comfort of these beloved loaded baked beans without a major time investment, I found the slow cooker method to be awesome. It only takes me about half an hour to assemble everything into the stoneware pot in the morning before work. I brown the ground beef, onions and bacon on the stove top, then layer in the remaining ingredients like beans, peppers, seasonings. From there, it goes low in the slow cooker for hours to gently cook while I’m away at the office. Coming home to a house filled with the delicious aroma of beans cooked down to creamy goodness is definitely worth the little prep involved!

How to Store Leftover Baked Beans Properly?

Once the cooking is completed, whether using the foil pan or cast iron pan, I like to cover the surface tightly with aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator. In my experience, these baked beans recipe actually taste even better if made up to a day in advance! For long term storage, scoop leftovers into an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days or up to a week.

The beans can be held at a safe serving temp of 140°F for two hours when left covered and refrigerated.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or up to a week.
To reheat, use a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of water to loosen the beans if needed.
For long term storage, this recipe can’t successfully be frozen and reheated later without the beans losing their texture and flavor. It’s best to refrigerate and enjoy within 4 days.

Variations and Substitutions for Bush’s Baked Beans Recipe

If you want to get creative with this one-dish wonder, feel free to add in some other favorite ingredients to thicken up the beans or depth of flavor. Some tasty options to consider:

Use your favorite BBQ sauce in place of or along with the maple syrup, brown sugar and seasonings.
A few tablespoons of yellow mustard or Worcestershire sauce provides tanginess.
Apple cider vinegar gives a bright acidity, particularly if substituting for liquid smoke.
For those who like it hot, spice up the dish with fresh sliced jalapeños, chorizo sausage or canned diced green chilies. Or add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce.
If you prefer red bell pepper over the green, feel free to substitute your favorite color. You can also use ketchup instead of some of the BBQ sauce if you wish for a sweeter taste.
For those who love to add cheese, consider sprinkling shredded cheddar or melting some mozzarella into the mix to elevate your canned baked beans with cheese.
This hearty one-pot meal is also delish served over rice as a main dish. The saucy beans complement the grains perfectly for an easy and filling comfort food.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal, casual get-together with friends or special Sunday dinner, easy loaded baked beans never disappoint. With its balance of savory, smoky and sweet flavors in a simple one-pan recipe, it has become my go-to comfort food dish. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy the taste of nostalgia and home cooked goodness that has been passed down for generations. Don’t be surprised if it soon becomes part of your family’s traditions as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are baked beans healthy?

Baked beans can be considered a healthy choice when eaten in moderation. They are high in fiber, protein and B vitamins. However, many varieties are also high in sodium from added sugar and seasonings. Opt for options with fewer additives when possible.

2. What are baked beans made of?

Traditional baked beans contain navy or pea beans slow-cooked in a savory-sweet sauce. The sauce often includes ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, mustard, onion, bacon and liquid smoke. Variations can include ingredients like ketchup, barbecue sauce, chili powder or peppers.

3. What is the sauce made of in baked beans?

The sauce for baked beans can vary but commonly includes maple syrup, molasses or brown sugar for sweetness along with mustard, vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for tang. Salt pork, bacon or ham also provide flavor, while tomatoes, onions and peppers add extra depth.

4. What can I add to canned beans to make them taste better?

Some tasty additions to doctor up canned beans include garlic, onion, barbecue sauce, chili powder, liquid smoke, cumin or oregano. Diced ham, bacon bits or hot peppers can ramp up flavor as well. A splash of acid like apple cider vinegar or lime juice also improves the taste.

5. What can I add to canned baked beans?

Bacon, barbecue sauce, onions, peppers and mustard are classic mix-ins for canned baked beans. Brown sugar, molasses or maple syrup boosts the sweetness. Crumbled breakfast sausage or chunks of ham adds extra protein. A squeeze of ketchup or hot sauce packs more flavor.

6. Should you rinse canned baked beans?

It’s not necessary to rinse canned beans unless you want to reduce sodium. The canning process helps retain nutrients, so a quick rinse is fine if you want to brush off some surface saltiness. Thorough rinsing could cause loss of flavor and texture.

7. Do I have to use a smoker?

While using a smoker imparts a wonderful smoky essence, it is definitely not required. Most baked bean recipes can be cooked successfully in the oven or slow cooker to tender perfection without a smoker.

8. What else can I do to enhance baked beans?

Toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, cooked and crumbled bacon or extra barbecue sauce add flavor and crunch. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives also boosts the presentation and aroma. Serving beans warm over rice provides texture contrast and soaks up extra sauce.

9. Is it OK to eat baked beans everyday?

In moderation, baked beans can be part of a daily diet. However, many varieties are high in sodium and carbohydrates. For everyday eating, choose versions made from dried beans and minimize added sugars. It’s also best to pair beans with nutrients from whole grains, vegetables and lean protein for balance.

10. How long to cook baked beans in oven at 350?

Baked beans can take 1–3 hours to cook thoroughly in the oven, depending on the ingredients and cooking method used. Canned beans generally only need 1–2 hours until heated through and bubbling, while dried or homemade beans may require the full 2–3 hours for tenderness. Beans that have slowed cooked beforehand in a crockpot or on the stove top will want 30–45 minutes in the oven. A smaller baking dish will shorten the time slightly versus a larger bean casserole as well. For exact doneness, bake until a fork or toothpick inserts smoothly into the center of the beans. Check periodically during cooking and adjust the oven time based on your particular recipe ingredients and pan size.