Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key as a properly heated oven ensures even baking from the get-go.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Vegetables
- In a large skillet, place your ground turkey and diced bacon over medium heat. Stir occasionally, breaking up the turkey with a spatula while the bacon releases its delicious fat. Cook until the turkey is browned, and the bacon becomes crispy—about 5 to 7 minutes. Add in the chopped red onion and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
Step 3: Prepare the Sweet and Tangy Sauce
- Once your meat mixture is ready, stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ketchup, barbecue sauce, molasses, Dijon mustard, chili powder, and kosher salt. Mix everything thoroughly until well blended. This sauce is where all the magic happens—sweet, slightly spicy, and endlessly flavorful!
Step 4: Add Beans to the Mixture
- Next, gently fold in the drained pork and beans, butter beans, and kidney beans until they're well incorporated in the meat and sauce. Take your time here—every bean needs its fair share of the flavorful concoction!
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
- Grease a 2½-quart baking dish to ensure nothing sticks. Pour your combined mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with foil and place it in your preheated oven. Allow it to bake for 1 hour. This step lets all those flavors meld beautifully and thickens the dish into a comforting baked bean delight. Check for desired thickness; if you prefer a thicker consistency, let it bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
Nutrition
Notes
- Opt for Lean Cuts: Using ground turkey instead of beef gives you a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Experiment with Beans: Feel free to swap in black beans or garbanzo beans for a twist.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet profile, reduce the sugars or add more mustard for a tangier flavor.
- Add Veggies: Chopped green bell peppers or carrots can add texture and nutrition to your dish.
- Make Ahead: Prepare and assemble the dish a day ahead. Store it in the fridge, and bake it the next day for easy entertaining!
