Million Dollar Baked Beans Recipe

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Cook Time: 20 minutes

This hearty and flavorful dish is a perfect blend of savory bacon, tender ground pork, and sweet baked beans, all baked to perfection for a deliciously caramelized topping. Ideal for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing side dish!

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 10 ounces thick cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 ounces bulk ground pork
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 (28-ounce) cans baked beans
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons cider vinegar

Directions

Follow these steps to create a comforting dish of baked beans with bacon and pork:

1. Gather all the ingredients needed for this recipe.
2. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, turning occasionally. This should take about 10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, reserving all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
4. Add the ground pork, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and cider vinegar. Stir until everything is well mixed.
6. Add the sausage mixture (from step 4) and half of the cooked bacon to the bowl with the baked beans. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the dish is bubbling and the top is caramelized.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 484
• Total Fat: 19g (25% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 7g (33% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 62mg (21% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1491mg (65% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 54g (20% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 9g (32% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 29g (59% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 26mg (29% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 99mg (8% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (20% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 888mg (19% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The History of Million Dollar Baked Beans

Million Dollar Baked Beans trace their origins to mid-20th century America, emerging as a decadent evolution of the traditional baked bean recipes popular in the United States. While classic baked beans were often simple, using navy beans with molasses or brown sugar, the Million Dollar version introduced richer ingredients like bacon, ground pork, and a combination of sweet and tangy sauces. The name itself is believed to have been coined in the 1970s, reflecting the dishs luxurious taste and elevated status at family gatherings and potlucks.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Although baked beans are enjoyed nationwide, regional differences affect the Million Dollar version. In the Midwest, cooks often incorporate smoked sausage or local bacon varieties, adding a deeper, smoky flavor. Southern versions sometimes emphasize sweetness with extra brown sugar or molasses, while in New England, some recipes include maple syrup for a distinctive aromatic sweetness. These subtle variations create diverse interpretations of the dish while maintaining its signature richness and caramelized finish.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike classic baked beans or simple casseroles, Million Dollar Baked Beans combine multiple layers of flavor: the savoriness of bacon and sausage, the sweetness of brown sugar and molasses, and a hint of acidity from mustard and vinegar. While other baked bean dishes might focus solely on the beans themselves, this recipe integrates protein and vegetables directly into the dish, resulting in a heartier, more complex side that can sometimes double as a main course. Its caramelized topping also sets it apart from standard canned or oven-baked beans.

Where It Is Commonly Served

This dish is a staple at American cookouts, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, often appearing alongside grilled meats, cornbread, and coleslaw. Its hearty texture and sweet-savory profile make it a favorite for backyard barbecues, family reunions, and festive occasions where comfort food is appreciated. Many restaurants that specialize in Southern or American comfort cuisine have also adopted Million Dollar Baked Beans as a side item to complement ribs, pulled pork, or roasted chicken.

Interesting Facts

• The recipe gained popularity in part because it could be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it ideal for large gatherings.
• The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors has inspired creative variations, including vegetarian adaptations using plant-based bacon and sausage alternatives.
• The dishs name reflects both its indulgence and its visual appeal, as the glossy, caramelized surface almost glistens like a million-dollar treat.
• Some culinary historians link the recipe to the influence of post-World War II convenience cooking, when canned beans became more widely available and home cooks began experimenting with richer flavors.
• Million Dollar Baked Beans are often paired with beer or cider at gatherings, as the sweetness and richness complement the beverages carbonation and bitterness.

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