Baked Beans

Growing up, pork and beans were a weekly staple in our house, often making an appearance at family dinners and backyard barbecues. I wanted to take that classic comfort food from my childhood and give it a grown-up twist, turning it into something heartier that could stand on its own as a main course.

By adding Italian sausage, peppers and a mix of beans, I created a version that is more savory and satisfying, even a little reminiscent of my favorite Italian flavors. The peppers add a beautiful pop of color and, if you prefer, you can swap in chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. This has become one of those dishes that friends and family request at nearly every potluck.

Prepare the Ingredients

Using the 7-5/8" Petite Chef knife, chop the red onion and rainbow peppers into even pieces. Their bright colors add great visual appeal to the finished dish.

Mince the garlic with the same knife.

Open the baked beans, pinto beans and black beans with the Can Opener. Rinse the pinto and black beans under cold water to remove excess starch and sodium before adding them to the pot. Leave the sauce with the baked beans intact since it adds flavor to the dish.

Make the Baked Beans

Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and rainbow peppers and sauté for about five minutes, just until the onions turn translucent and the peppers start to soften.

Next, top the mixture with the minced garlic and cook for another three to four minutes. You will know it is ready when the kitchen smells amazing.

Prepare the Italian sausage by slicing each one down the middle to remove the casings. Add the sausage to the pot and use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until the sausage is completely browned.

Now it is time to add all the beans and sauces. Pour in the baked beans with their sauce, along with the rinsed pinto beans and black beans. Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, spicy mustard and a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat. Turn the stove down and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can really come together.

Serve it hot with your favorite protein or with a fresh salad on the side and watch it disappear faster than you can say “baked beans.”

Tip: If you want that classic baked bean texture, transfer everything to a casserole dish and finish it in a 350 F oven for about 15 minutes before serving.