Baked Beans

I have told you that my father-in-law, Bob, makes the best baked beans I have ever had.  Better than any restaurant around.  I didn't even like baked beans until I tried his recipe and now I love them.  I am on a constant search to find a bean recipe as good as his.  I found a promising recipe a few weeks ago.  It comes from The Daily Smash and she says it is her Mom's recipe and she has never found another recipe she likes as much.  I even noticed one of the comments said that they couldn't believe she shared her Mom's yummy recipe! 

I thought these beans were absolutely delicious.  I used a different brand of baked beans than I usually use and I think it made a big difference in the taste.  The flavor did remind me of Bob's, so I am getting closer! 

Baked Beans

adapted from: The Daily Smash

(Printable Recipe)

1/2 Lb. bacon

2 Lbs. ground beef

2 c. chopped onion

1 c. chopped celery

2 beef bouillon cubes

2/3 c. boiling water

1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 c. ketchup

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

2 (28 oz.) cans Bush's Baked Beans 

   - Maple Cured Bacon flavor

   - Country Style flavor

Fry bacon and set aside.  Brown ground beef, onion and celery in a large pot and cook until vegetables are tender.  Dissolve the bouillon cubes in water and add along with the remaining ingredients, including the cooked bacon.  Mix well.  Cover and bake 1 hour @ 375 degrees.  Top with sour cream.  This freezes well.  

Jenn's Notes: I cut the recipe in half and I used one can of Country Style flavored beans.  I also added some diced green bell pepper.  Next time, I will try adding some sausage! Instead of baking this, I just let it simmer on the stove for a few hours.  This recipe was so good.