Introduction

Georgia’s Loaded Baked Beans are the ultimate Southern-style comfort food — smoky, savory, slightly sweet, and bursting with hearty flavors. This recipe transforms the humble baked bean into a rich, meaty dish loaded with bacon, ground beef, and a perfectly seasoned sauce. Whether you serve them as a barbecue side, a potluck favorite, or even a main dish with cornbread, these baked beans are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cans (28 oz total) pork and beans, undrained
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
3. Brown the beef and onions in the bacon grease until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onions, bacon, pork and beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, pepper, and chili powder if using. Mix well.
5. Transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly thickened.
7. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Description

The result is a rich, sticky, sweet-and-smoky bean dish loaded with meaty texture and depth of flavor. The barbecue sauce brings tang, the brown sugar adds sweetness, and the smoky bacon takes it to another level. Every bite feels hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

Tips

• Make Ahead: Prepare the mixture a day in advance and bake before serving.
• Add More Smokiness: Use smoked sausage slices along with the beef for extra flavor.
• Thicker Sauce: Let the beans bake an extra 10–15 minutes for a thicker consistency.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and extra seasonings.
• Serving Ideas: Serve alongside grilled ribs, fried chicken, or warm cornbread.

Correction

If your baked beans turn out too watery, it’s usually because they didn’t bake long enough or there was too much liquid from the beans. Next time:

• Drain some of the liquid from the pork and beans before mixing.
• Extend baking time until the sauce reduces.
• Bake uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate.

Enjoy

Serve warm, right out of the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side at a backyard cookout or making them the star of a casual dinner, Georgia’s Loaded Baked Beans will have everyone asking for seconds.