John's Favorite Baked Beans

I'm not sure if calling is recipe "baked beans" is the right thing to do. Really, they are 3 different kinds of beans with lots of bacon (which John has started calling "meat candy") and ground beef.

Yeah, not so much the normal baked beans recipe! But let me tell you, they are hands down deliciousness. I mean, so good. And here is a little secret, John likes baked beans but he has never loved them. But he loves this recipe so that should tell you something.

Like I said, they are loaded with bacon, I use thick cut pepper bacon, ground beef (which you can leave out) and 3 different types of beans (you could use just pork and beans and still have great baked beans). But the first time you make these, make them loaded!!

John's Favorite Baked Beans

1 medium onion, chopped
1 pound ground beef (optional)
15 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (I use thick cut pepper bacon)
1 1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
2 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 (15 ounce) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
2 (15 ounce) can pork and beans, undrained
4 tablespoons molasses
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder

Cook onion and, if you want, ground beef in a very large skillet, stirring until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Stir in bacon and remaining ingredients, and spoon into a lightly greased 13x9 baking dish. I usually make this the night before and chill it at this point.

Bake bean mixture at 350° for 1 hour, stirring once.