Meaty Sweet Heat Baked Beans

Serves: 4–6

Ingredients

• 2 (28 oz) cans baked beans (do not drain)
• 1 lb ground beef or smoked sausage (or a mix of both), browned
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup molasses or honey
• ⅓ cup BBQ sauce (smoky style)
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1–2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional for extra heat)
• Fresh cracked black pepper

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
2. In the same pan, sauté the onion and red bell pepper until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the baked beans, cooked meat, bacon, sautéed vegetables, brown sugar, molasses, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45–60 minutes, until thick, bubbling, and glossy on top.
5. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens before serving.