Description
A unique and flavorful twist on a classic side dish, combining the sweetness of root beer with savory bacon and hearty beans for an unforgettable taste.
Ingredients
3 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 (15-ounce) cans great northern or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup root beer
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot. Set the crispy bacon aside.
Step 3: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the reserved bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Step 4: Stir in the rinsed and drained beans, tomato sauce, root beer, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, stirring halfway through, until the beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened.
Step 6: Remove from the oven, stir in the reserved crispy bacon, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings. If you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the brown sugar to 1/3 cup. These beans are even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
