Baked Beans Casserole

I had these at a family cookout last weekend and since I loved them so much I got the recipe and made them for a cookout today as well. They turned out great and were a big hit! The original recipe came from the Deen Brothers and I only made a few minor changes. Unfortunately, I forgot to snap a photo this time so you will have to imagine what they looked like. Here's how I made them, oh and since they are so hearty you could have them by themselves as a meal.

Baked Beans Casserole

Serves 8-10

ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 large white onions, finely chopped

• 1 lb ground round or other lean beef

• 2 - 28 oz cans baked beans

• 3 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar

• 1 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1/2 tsp each kosher salt and black pepper

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 lb bacon

• 8-10 shakes of hot sauce

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Coat a casserole dish with some cooking spray and set aside. 

2. In a cast iron skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the beef; cook for 10 minutes breaking up the meat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat out of the pan if necessary. Set meat in a large mixing bowl. Return skillet over medium heat and cook 1/2 lb of the bacon. Drain on paper towels and chop into 1/2" pieces. Add to the beef in the mixing bowl as well. 

3. Add the rest of the ingredients except the 1/2 lb slices of bacon to the mixing bowl and stir until combined. Pour into casserole dish and top with whole bacon slices or you can dice them up as well on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until thick and bubbly. Uncover and preheat broiler. Broil for 5 minutes until the bacon is crisp.  Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so you don't burn your tongue off!

Some other ideas for this is to top brats/hot dogs, nachos, burritos or tacos with em they are sooo good!

Enjoy!

This recipe was adapted from The Deen Brothers.