Introduction:
Loaded Baked Beans are the ultimate BBQ side dish, packed with smoky, savory flavors and a touch of sweetness. This recipe takes canned baked beans to the next level by adding ground beef, smoked sausage, bacon, and a blend of seasonings that create a rich, hearty dish. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or as a satisfying side to any grilled meal, these loaded baked beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether cooked in a smoker for that extra layer of smokiness or baked in the oven, this dish is incredibly easy to make and delivers big on flavor.
Overview of the Recipe:
This Loaded Baked Beans recipe elevates the traditional baked beans by adding ground beef, smoked sausage, bacon, and a mix of sweet and savory seasonings. The beans are cooked in a cast iron pan, either in a smoker or oven, to develop deep, rich flavors. The combination of smoky meats, sweet maple syrup, and tangy BBQ seasoning creates a dish that’s both comforting and irresistible.
History and Origin:
Baked beans have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries, with roots in Native American cooking. The addition of meat and various seasonings to baked beans likely emerged as a way to make the dish more substantial and flavorful, particularly in regions where BBQ is popular. Loaded Baked Beans, as a concept, take the traditional side dish and transform it into a hearty, almost stew-like dish that can easily be a main course.
Ingredients:
- 28 oz canned baked beans (Bush’s recommended)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 pound bacon, diced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a large cast iron pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season the beef with salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder as it cooks.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the meat aside.
- Prep the Remaining Ingredients:
- While the beef is cooking, slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Dice the yellow onion, green bell pepper, and bacon into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In the same cast iron pan, add the diced bacon and cook over medium heat until the bacon is crispy. Drain most of the excess fat, leaving a small amount in the pan for flavor.
- Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pan and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the sliced smoked sausage, allowing it to brown slightly and absorb the flavors in the pan.
- Mix in the Beans and Seasonings:
- Pour in the canned baked beans, making sure to include all the sauce from the can. Stir to combine with the meat and vegetables.
- Add the maple syrup, light brown sugar, BBQ seasoning, and water to the pan. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pan, stirring to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Loaded Baked Beans:
- In a Smoker: Place the cast iron pan in a preheated smoker at 225°F. Cook for one hour, then increase the temperature to 350°F and continue cooking for an additional 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In an Oven: If you don’t have a smoker, you can bake the beans in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the beans from drying out.
- Adjust Consistency and Serve:
- After cooking, if the beans seem too dry, stir in a little more water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Remove the cast iron pan from the smoker or oven and give the beans one final stir before serving.
Serving:
Loaded Baked Beans are best served hot, straight from the cast iron pan. They make a fantastic side dish for BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, burgers, or even a simple hot dog. This dish is hearty enough to be served as a main course as well, especially when paired with a fresh salad or cornbread.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions:
- Main Dishes: Serve alongside BBQ favorites like smoked ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken.
- Side Dishes: Pair with cornbread, coleslaw, or potato salad for a complete BBQ feast.
- Toppings: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese or chopped green onions on top of the beans for extra flavor and color.
Variations of the Recipe:
- Spicy Loaded Baked Beans: Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the beans for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Loaded Baked Beans: Omit the meat and add more vegetables like diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add a can of drained black beans for extra protein.
- Sweet and Smoky Beans: Use honey instead of maple syrup and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
Health Benefits Notes:
- Protein-Rich: This dish is high in protein thanks to the ground beef, smoked sausage, and bacon, which are essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Fiber: Beans are a great source of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
- Customizable: You can adjust the amount of sugar or use turkey bacon to make the dish lighter while still maintaining its delicious flavor.
FAQs:
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the loaded baked beans up to two days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Absolutely. Allow the beans to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
- What can I use if I don’t have a cast iron pan?
- If you don’t have a cast iron pan, any oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients.
- Can I use a different type of beans?
- Yes, you can mix in other beans like kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans to add variety and texture to the dish.
Conclusion:
The Best Loaded Baked Beans are a flavorful, hearty dish that elevates a classic BBQ side into something truly special. With the rich, smoky flavors from the ground beef, smoked sausage, and bacon, combined with the sweetness of maple syrup and brown sugar, these beans are the perfect complement to any grilled or smoked meats. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your next cookout or family gathering. Whether you’re using a smoker or an oven, the result is a pot of beans that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table.