Baked Bean Casserole

I found this dish in a cookbook, and thought it sounded interesting.  However, I have to say, instead of a "casserole" type dish, this reminded me more of chili with a twist.  I'm not a big baked bean fan, but this wasn't bad!  Plus, it's topped with bacon and well, need I say more?

Baked Bean Casserole
Original recipe from The Deen Brothers, "Y'All Come Eat" Cookbook, pg. 150

Non-stick cooking spray
2 T vegetable or olive oil
2 large onions, finely chopped (2 C)
1 lb. ground beef
2 - 15oz. cans Boston-style baked beans
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped (1 C)
1/4 C packed light brown sugar
1 T Dijon mustard
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
5 slices bacon

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Coat a 2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium eat.  Add the onion, cook about 5 minutes or until softened.  Add the beef; cook about 10 minutes or until brown, breaking meat up with a fork as it cooks.
3. In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture with teh remaining ingredients except the bacon; mix well.  Pour beef mixture into the prepared casserole; arrange the bacon slices on top.  Cover with a lid or aluminum foil.  Bake about 45 minutes or until thick and bubbly.  Bacon will not be crisp at this point.  Uncover dish and preheat broiler.  Broil for 1-2 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.

I think you could serve this with french fries, like I did - or with my Load 'Em Up Smashed Potatoes!

Please click here for a printable version of this recipe - Kitchen Groovy

Enjoy and live with gusto!
Carina