Stovetop Bourbon Bacon and Sausage Baked Beans
These hearty stovetop baked beans combine smoky bacon and savory pork sausage with a rich bourbon-spiked sauce. Four varieties of beans create a satisfying texture, while molasses, brown sugar, and a touch of cayenne add depth and subtle heat. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or as a comforting side dish for grilled meats. The stovetop method delivers traditional baked bean flavor in less time, making this an ideal weeknight or weekend recipe when you want something special without the long oven commitment.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bacon
- 1 pound pork sausageturkey sausage1:1none
Leaner option
- 1 cup white onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic clove, minced
- 2 15-ounce cans pork and beans
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can Navy beans, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar, light or dark
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- 1
Cook sausage in a large pan, then remove with a slotted spoon
- 2
Cook bacon in the same pan, then remove
- 3
Remove all but 2 tablespoons of grease from the pan
- 4
Add onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes
- 5
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
- 6
Return sausage to pan and add all ingredients except bacon, stir to combine
- 7
Bring to a boil uncovered, then boil for 1 minute
- 8
Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 40 to 45 minutes
- 9
Chop bacon and add to the pan with other ingredients
- 10
Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve warm
Tips
Use thick-cut bacon for better texture and more substantial pieces in the final dish
Reserve some bacon grease for extra flavor, but don't use more than 2 tablespoons or the beans will be too greasy
Let the beans simmer uncovered to concentrate flavors and achieve the perfect consistency
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in covered container
Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently on stovetop
Serve warm as side dish with grilled meats or barbecue
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the grease to avoid overly greasy beans
Avoid high heat during simmering to prevent burning
Substitutions
Leaner option
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes, substitute the bourbon with apple juice or beef broth for similar depth of flavor without alcohol content.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop, adding liquid if needed.
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely, any combination of beans works well. Kidney, pinto, or cannellini beans are good alternatives.