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Sweet and Smoky Baked Beans

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Sweet and smoky baked beans made with tender baked beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and halal beef or turkey strips. Slowly baked until thick, rich, and flavorful, this comforting side dish is perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and family gatherings.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 18 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 8 slices halal beef or turkey strips, cut in half
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cans (28 ounces each) vegetarian baked beans
  • 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or distilled vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard or 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (if needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, cook halal beef or turkey strips over medium-low heat until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. If needed, add oil to the skillet, then sauté onion and green bell pepper for about 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in baked beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  5. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring well to combine.
  6. Pour beans into the prepared baking dish and top with cooked halal strips.
  7. Bake uncovered for about 2 hours until thick, bubbly, and glossy.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Do not drain canned baked beans—the sauce helps create richness.
  • For thicker beans, bake uncovered until the liquid reduces.
  • Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing brown sugar.
  • Add jalapeños or cayenne for a spicier version.
  • For vegetarian version, omit halal meat strips and add extra smoked paprika.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/sweet-and-smoky-baked-beans/