Ingredients:
- 450g ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 115g thick-cut bacon, diced
- 150g yellow onion, finely diced
- 15g garlic, minced
- 200g brown sugar, packed
- 240g ketchup
- 30ml apple cider vinegar
- 15ml Worcestershire sauce
- 15g yellow mustard
- 5g smoked paprika
- 3g black pepper
- 3g salt
- 1275g baked beans in tomato sauce
Instructions:
- Start by frying the diced bacon in a Dutch oven until the fat renders and the bacon is crisp. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
- Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat apart, until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Stir in the minced garlic for the final 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and spices. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken.
- For the Stovetop method, fold in the canned beans and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce is thick and glossy.
- For the Oven method, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes until the edges are bubbly and slightly charred.
- For the Slow Cooker method, transfer the seared beef and sauce mixture into the crock pot, add beans, and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours.