Bacon-Infused Baked Beans Deluxe

Ingredients 0/11

Step 1

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning it now and then until it’s nice and crispy, which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels and save the bacon grease in the skillet. When the bacon is cool enough, crumble it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook over medium heat until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until you can really smell it. Then, transfer this onion and garlic mixture, along with all that flavorful bacon grease, into your slow cooker.

Step 3

Using the same skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s fully cooked and crumbly, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the beef to the slow cooker with the onion mixture.

Step 4

Now, pour in the pork and beans, kidney beans, butter beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a little liquid smoke. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 5

Set the slow cooker on low and let it cook for about 4 hours, allowing all those flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top for that perfect finishing touch.