Cheesy Bacon Baked Beans

My father and my grandfather served in the military.  Memorial Day has always meant understanding that only through the sacrifice of faithful men and women can I enjoy the freedoms that I have today.
The fact that we have the freedom to gather together in safety as a family around a meal, that we can pray without fear of persecution, that we can talk politics and faith without being arrested and that others gave their lives for us to have this privilege has never ceased to amaze me and bring me to thankfulness for this gift.

These baked beans were a staple of our family BBQ’s when I was a child and now they are a favorite of all who eat in our home, even those who don’t ordinarily like baked beans.

Savory and slightly sweet homemade BBQ sauce drapes three different types of beans. Smoky bacon and sharp cheddar cheese add an unparalleled depth and richness of flavor.
Long, slow cooking caramelizes the sugars in the sauce around the edges of the dish making this side so worth the prep ahead effort!

Cheesy Bacon Baked Beans

Ingredients:
6 slices of bacon, diced
1 onion, diced
2 (28 oz) cans Bush’s baked beans (do not drain)
1 can (15 oz) Great Northern or navy beans (white), rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
1 cup ketchup
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 Tblsp Montreal Steak Seasoning
2 Tblsp A-1 steak sauce
1 Tblsp Worcestershire sauce
5-6 drops Liquid Smoke

Preheat oven to 325F (or use crockpot on high)

In a skillet over medium heat, saute bacon and onion until bacon is crispy and onion is translucent and caramelized.

In a 2.5 qt baking dish, 9×13 baking pan or crock pot insert, stir together beans and cheese.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients.  Stir in bacon and onions and mix well. Pour over beans and cheese and stir thoroughly.

Bake uncovered for approximately an hour and a half, stirring about halfway through.  Or cook in crock pot on high for 4 hours .

Serves 8-10