Get ready to transform your ordinary baked beans into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at your barbecue begging for seconds! This Meat Lovers Dr Pepper Baked Beans recipe is not just a side dish – it's a flavor-packed culinary adventure that combines the rich sweetness of Dr Pepper, the smoky goodness of bacon, and hearty ground beef into one irresistible comfort food experience. Prepare to elevate your cooking game and become the ultimate grill master with this show-stopping recipe that's guaranteed to impress!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 ounces) baked beans
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 cup Dr Pepper
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large oven-safe casserole dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with bacon grease, brown the ground beef and diced onions together. Cook until the beef is completely browned and the onions are translucent, breaking up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat from the ground beef and onion mixture, then return the skillet to the stovetop.
- Add the can of baked beans, Dr Pepper, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Fold in most of the crispy bacon pieces, reserving some for topping later. Mix well to distribute the bacon throughout the bean mixture.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared oven-safe casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of cooking to allow the top to slightly caramelize and become slightly crispy.
- Sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon pieces on top of the beans just before serving.
- Let the baked beans rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot as a side dish or hearty appetizer, perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Tips
- Choose high-quality bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness. Thick-cut bacon works best for achieving that perfect crunch.
- Don't rush the bacon cooking process – low and slow helps render the fat and create crispy pieces.
- Use a good quality barbecue sauce that complements the Dr Pepper's sweetness. A slightly smoky sauce works wonderfully.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the beans rest a bit longer after cooking to allow natural thickening.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the meat to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
- For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the mixture.
- These beans taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make them in advance for potlucks or family gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 125mg
