BBQ Baked Beans

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

BBQ Baked Beans are the ultimate comfort food — smoky, sweet, and just a little bit tangy. This dish is perfect for summer cookouts or cozy winter nights. It’s a simple recipe that delivers a rich, hearty flavor every time.

Ingredients for BBQ Baked Beans

Bacon: Adds a savory, smoky depth and a bit of crunch. The crispy bits are a delightful contrast to the soft beans.

Onion: Provides sweetness and a base flavor that complements the other ingredients. Cooking it in bacon drippings boosts the flavor.

Navy beans: These small, tender beans hold up well to baking and absorb the flavors beautifully.

BBQ sauce: The heart of the dish, adding tang and sweetness. Choose your favorite brand for the best taste.

Brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.

Molasses: Adds richness and a slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness.

Yellow mustard: Provides a tangy kick that cuts through the sweetness, adding complexity.

Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that enhances the BBQ flavor.

Black pepper and salt: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and texture.
  • If you're in a pinch, canned baked beans can be used; just adjust the sugar and molasses to taste.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté onions in olive oil. Add liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These BBQ Baked Beans are fantastic alongside grilled chicken or ribs. They also pair well with a simple coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal. For a twist, serve them over a baked potato or with a poached egg on top for breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop further. Just reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze these baked beans?
Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What if I don’t have molasses?
You can substitute honey or maple syrup, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.

BBQ Baked Beans Recipe Walkthrough

First, set your oven to 350°F to preheat. While that warms up, grab a large skillet and cook your bacon over medium heat until it turns crispy. Once it's done, let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate and then crumble it up. Don't toss those drippings — they’re gold!

Next, toss the onion into the same skillet with the bacon drippings. Sauté until it's soft and translucent. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells irresistible.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions and crumbled bacon with the navy beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything’s nicely coated.

Transfer this flavorful mix into a baking dish and cover it up. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened up.

Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This little pause lets the flavors meld even more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick prep with just a few pantry staples.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors.
  • Versatile side dish that pairs with almost anything from burgers to grilled veggies.
  • Make-ahead friendly — tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

4 slices of bacon
1 large onion, diced
3 cans (15 oz each) of navy beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup of BBQ sauce
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup of molasses
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble when cool.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion in the bacon drippings until softened.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked onions, crumbled bacon, navy beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until the beans are bubbly and the sauce is thickened.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!