Southern Brown Sugar Baked Beans

Ingredients

• 6 strips beef bacon (cut into 1/2 inch peices)
• 2 (28 oz) cans vegetarian baked beans, ( (Bush's® original))
• 1 medium onion, (diced)
• 1 large bell pepper, (diced)
• 1 jalapeno, (diced)
• 4 garlic cloves, (minced)
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder,
• 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika,
• 3/4 cup brown sugar,
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce,
• 3 tablespoons ketchup,
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard,
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup,
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt,
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• chopped green onions, (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F degrees.

2. 2

   On medium-high heat, fry bacon in a large (oven-safe)heavy bottom skillet or pot until browned. Remove bacon from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Preserve the leftover bacon grease in the skillet.

3. 3

   On medium heat and add onions, bell pepper, and jalapeno. Sauté for 5 minutes then add garlic and saute for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, syrup, salt, and pepper. Bring to a light boil for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cooked bacon.

4. 4

   Carefully transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for additional 30 minutes until bubbly and the sauce thickens to a deep amber color. Garnish with chopped green onion and serve warm.