Description
Savor the rich and smoky flavors of Root Beer Baked Beans with Bacon, a hearty and comforting dish perfect as a side or main. This recipe combines savory ground beef, crisp bacon, and a sweet, tangy root beer infusion baked to bubbly perfection in a cast iron skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Bacon
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 small poblano or green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 green onions, sliced
Beans
- 2 (16 oz) cans baked beans
- 1 (16 oz) can pinto beans, drained
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup root beer
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
Spices and Condiments
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the beans later in the cast iron skillet.
- Cook Bacon: In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, cook the 6 slices of bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Chop the bacon and set aside. Discard all but 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and seeded poblano or green bell pepper to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat from the pan for a leaner dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the baked beans, drained pinto beans, root beer, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, cumin, and half of the chopped bacon. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the mixture thicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining chopped bacon and sliced green onions before serving warm.
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet enhances the flavors and allows you to bake the dish directly without transferring.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Adjust the chili powder and cumin for a milder or spicier bean dish according to taste.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered.
- Be sure to drain the pinto beans to prevent excess liquid in the dish.
