A hearty and flavorful baked bean casserole with a touch of sweetness and smokiness, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
Cooking the bacon first adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
Draining the fat makes the dish less greasy.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, crumbled bacon, lima beans, kidney beans, ketchup, salt, brown sugar, dry mustard, vinegar, corn syrup, and molasses. Mix well.
Mixing thoroughly ensures even distribution of flavors.
Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Using a spatula helps to spread the mixture evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
Check halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Letting it cool slightly makes it easier to serve.
