Yes I put all this in my baked beans

 

Yes, I Put All This in My Baked Beans: The Ultimate Loaded Baked Beans Recipe

Introduction: Not Your Average Can of Beans

Most people think of baked beans as a humble side dish—a spoonful of brown sweetness plopped next to BBQ or nestled beside toast. But baked beans can be so much more. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can turn this humble dish into the highlight of any cookout, potluck, or cozy night in.

When someone says, “Yes, I put all this in my baked beans,” it’s not just a cheeky line. It’s a declaration of flavor. It’s a recipe layered with savory meats, aromatic vegetables, rich sauces, and sweet spices—all slow-baked into bubbling, sticky, irresistible perfection.

Let’s dive deep into the ultimate loaded baked beans—featuring bacon, sausage, ground beef, onions, peppers, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, BBQ sauce, and more.

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Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is engineered for maximum flavor and hearty texture. Each ingredient serves a purpose:

• Bacon for smokiness

• Ground beef and sausage for meatiness

• Aromatics like garlic, onions, and peppers for depth

• Brown sugar and molasses for sweetness

• BBQ sauce and mustard for tang and zip

• Beans for that classic, creamy, hearty foundation

This dish is sweet, savory, tangy, smoky, and spicy—all at once.

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Ingredients: Yes, All This

Meats

• 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon, chopped

• ½ pound ground beef

• ½ pound ground pork sausage (spicy or sweet)

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 small bell pepper, diced (any color)

• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)

Beans

• 2 cans (28 oz total) baked beans, preferably Bush’s Original or Homestyle

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Sauces & Seasonings

• ¾ cup BBQ sauce (hickory, brown sugar, or smoky styles work best)

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 3 tablespoons yellow mustard or Dijon mustard

• ¼ cup molasses

• ⅓ cup light or dark brown sugar, packed

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, but amazing)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt to taste

• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Optional Add-ins (for the bold)

• ½ cup crushed pineapple (sweet surprise!)

• 1 shot bourbon or whiskey (for depth)

• 1 tablespoon coffee (yes, really—boosts umami)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for richness)

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Tools You’ll Need

• Large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven

• Mixing bowls

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• 9x13-inch baking dish (if baking separately)

• Aluminum foil (for covering)

• Oven or smoker

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). If you plan to smoke them, preheat your smoker to 250–275°F and prepare your wood chips (hickory, applewood, or pecan are ideal).

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Step 2: Cook the Meats

In a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat:

1. Render the bacon: Cook chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.

2. Brown the sausage: Add the ground pork sausage and cook until browned. Break it into crumbles. Remove and set aside.

3. Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.

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Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan (with a bit of grease left for flavor), add:

• Onions

• Bell pepper

• Jalapeño (if using)

• Garlic

Sauté over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Deglaze the pan with a splash of vinegar or a tablespoon of coffee if it begins to brown too much.

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Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl (or the Dutch oven if it fits), stir together:

• Cooked meats and sautéed vegetables

• Baked beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans

• BBQ sauce

• Ketchup

• Mustard

• Molasses

• Brown sugar

• Worcestershire sauce

• Apple cider vinegar

• Liquid smoke

• All seasonings

Optional: Stir in pineapple, bourbon, tomato paste, or coffee if desired.

Mix thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, sugar, or heat.

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Step 5: Bake Low and Slow

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish (or leave it in your Dutch oven if oven-safe). Cover with foil.

Bake at 325°F for 1.5 to 2 hours, removing the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the top to caramelize and thicken. The sauce should be sticky, bubbling, and reduced.

If smoking, place the uncovered dish in the smoker and cook for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally to infuse that smoky flavor.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the beans cool slightly before serving. The flavors intensify as they rest. Top with crispy bacon or fresh parsley if desired.

Serve with:

• Grilled meats

• Cornbread

• Coleslaw

• Mac & cheese

• Roasted veggies

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Tips for Success

1. Use a Mix of Beans

Using both baked beans and plain beans creates the perfect texture—creamy, but not mushy.

2. Don’t Skip the Molasses and Brown Sugar

These create that rich, sweet undertone that balances out the acidity of tomatoes and vinegar.

3. Go Slow

The longer the bake, the better the flavor. This isn’t a rush job. Let it simmer, caramelize, and thicken.

4. Customize to Your Taste

More sweet? Add maple syrup. More heat? Add cayenne or chipotle. More tang? Add extra mustard.

5. Make Ahead

These beans taste even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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Variations and Twists

Vegetarian Version

Omit meats and use smoked paprika, extra beans, and sautéed mushrooms for meaty texture.

Sweet Heat Beans

Add chopped candied jalapeños and hot honey for a fiery twist.

Bourbon BBQ Beans

Add 2 oz of bourbon and use a smoky bourbon BBQ sauce for depth and complexity.

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What Makes This Recipe Special?

It’s unapologetically loaded. It’s everything baked beans were meant to be and then some. You don’t have to say sorry for adding bacon, sausage, brown sugar, molasses, onions, garlic, mustard, and more.

You just have to say, “Yes, I put all this in my baked beans.”

And trust me, when people taste it, they won’t question a thing—they’ll just ask for seconds.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meats and aromatics first, then add everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir occasionally.

Can I use dry beans?

Yes, but soak and cook them first until tender. You'll need about 6–7 cups of cooked beans total.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it's recommended. Make it a day ahead and reheat gently in the oven or on the stove.

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Nutritional Info (Per Hearty Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 450

• Protein: 18g

• Fat: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 50g

• Sugar: 25g

• Fiber: 7g

• Sodium: 850mg

(Values vary depending on exact ingredients used.)

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Conclusion: A Spoonful of Glory

Baked beans don’t have to be basic. They don’t have to sit quietly in the corner of your plate. They can be loud, bold, and unforgettable. This recipe takes all the best things—smoky bacon, savory sausage, sweet molasses, tangy BBQ sauce—and folds them into something truly mouthwatering.

So the next time someone sees your bubbling pot of beans and asks, “Wait… you put all that in there?” — smile and say, “Yes, I did.”

Because that’s how flavor is made.