This hearty dish combines smoky, crispy bacon with rich, flavorful baked beans for the perfect comfort food. It’s easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or weeknight dinner.
Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning it every now and then until it’s nice and crispy, which usually takes around 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, drain the bacon on some paper towels and save the bacon grease in the skillet. When the bacon has cooled enough, crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
Next, add the chopped onion to the bacon grease in the skillet and cook over medium heat until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until you can really smell it. Scoop the onion and garlic mixture, including all that flavorful bacon grease, into your slow cooker.
In the same skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and crumbly, around 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker with the onion mix.
Now, add the pork and beans, kidney beans, butter beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of liquid smoke to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 4 hours. When it’s ready, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top before serving. Enjoy!
- Cook the bacon slowly over medium heat to get it crispy without burning.
- Stir the beans gently to avoid breaking them apart.
- Use a splash of vinegar or a pinch of brown sugar to balance the flavors if needed.
This dish combines smoky, crispy bacon with rich, flavorful beans for a comforting and hearty side. The blend of textures and savory notes makes it a crowd-pleaser at any meal or gathering.
Serve warm alongside grilled meats, burgers, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if the beans have thickened too much.
