Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup low-sugar BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 cans (28 oz each) canned baked beans

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook diced bacon until crispy and fat is rendered. Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Add the ground beef to the bacon fat. Break apart and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease, leaving approximately one tablespoon in the pan.
  3. Stir in the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Lower heat to medium and incorporate the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and spices. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is bubbling.
  5. Fold in the canned beans and the reserved crispy bacon. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30 minutes until the sauce is thick and caramelized.