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Loaded Baked Bean Casserole Recipe with Crispy Bacon Crumble

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A comforting and easy baked bean casserole topped with crispy bacon crumble and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (about 900 g) canned baked beans, drained slightly
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup (about 100 g) shredded sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet; discard or save the rest.
  3. In the same skillet with reserved fat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to combine and deepen flavors.
  5. In a mixing bowl, add the drained baked beans and pour the onion-tomato mixture over them. Gently fold together until beans are evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Transfer the bean mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top, then cover with shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and cheese to set slightly.

Notes

Cook bacon separately to keep it crispy on top. Drain some liquid from canned beans to avoid watery casserole but leave a little juice to prevent drying out. Add cheese on top before baking for best melt and golden spots. Cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Can be adapted for vegetarian, dairy-free, or slow cooker methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked bean casserole, bacon crumble, comfort food, easy casserole, cheesy baked beans, smoky baked beans, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/loaded-baked-bean-casserole-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-crumble-easy-and-comforting/