SMOKY BAKED BEANS

 

Ingredients:

- 2 slices bacon, diced

- 1 small sweet onion, diced

- 1 bell pepper, diced

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce

- 2 tablespoons ketchup

- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

- 1 tablespoon brown sugar

- 2 (22 ounce) cans baked beans (Bush’s Grillin’ Beans recommended)

- 2 slices bacon, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. In a large oven-safe skillet (or transfer later if not using oven-safe), cook diced bacon over medium-low heat until browned and crisp, rendering most of the fat.

3. Stir in diced onion, pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Add smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

5. Stir in apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar until well combined.

6. Add baked beans directly from the cans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn off the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Optionally, lay a few strips of bacon on top of the beans.

8. Place the skillet in the oven (or transfer to an oven-safe dish) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until bubbly and syrupy.

9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

10. These can be made ahead: cook in the skillet, let cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next day or when ready.

11. These also freeze well!