Southern Style Baked Beans

At work last month, my department was invited to two different potlucks with two different departments. One of those departments was Pricing. They used to be in our building and on our floor and then was moved. One of the guys in that department works out of Texas, so whenever he comes to town for business, he brings brisket from Texas and we have a potluck. Sticking with the theme of the potluck, I decided to sign up for baked beans to make and bring. I really don't have a good recipe for this so I decided to google. One of the recipe's that came up was from Pioneer Woman. I'm not going to lie to you, I follow her blog, so I already knew the recipe would be amazing... without searching for many more recipe's I choose hers and go for it. In fact, she is so good, that Bobby Flay (who I also love) challenged her to a Throw Down and she WON!!

I brought it into work and it was a hit. Seriously, the guys were telling me they were the best baked beans they had ever had... better than the way their wives make it. So there you have it. If you like baked beans.... you should probably give this recipe a try. Good stuff.

Quick Southern-Style Baked Beans
recipe by Pam Anderson

Serves up to 18

8 slices bacon, halved

1 medium onion, cut into small dice

1/2 medium green pepper, cut into small dice

3 large cans (28 ounces each) pork and beans

3/4 cup barbecue sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup distilled or cider vinegar

2 teaspoons dry mustard or 2 tablespoons Dijon

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Fry bacon in large, deep sauté pan skillet until bacon has partially cooked and released about 1/4 cup drippings. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels. Add onions and peppers to drippings in pan and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add beans and remaining ingredients bring to a simmer. (If skillet is not large enough, add beans and heat to a simmer then transfer to a large bowl and stir in remaining ingredients). Pour flavored beans into a greased 13-by 9-inch (or similar size) ovenproof pan. Top with bacon, then bake until beans are bubbly and sauce is the consistency of pancake syrup, about 2 hours. Let stand to thicken slightly and serve.