Description

Discover the Best Smoked Baked Beans recipe that transforms any BBQ into a smoky, sweet, and savory celebration. This dish features tender beans simmered in a rich, smoky sauce enhanced with smoked bacon or sausage, spices, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect as a versatile side for grilled meats, burgers, or picnic fare, it’s simple to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Protein

2 cups dried pinto or navy beans (soaked and cooked) or 3 cans (15 oz each) rinsed and drained
6 oz smoked bacon or smoked sausage, chopped

Aromatics

1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika or 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

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Instructions

Prep and Cook the Bacon: Fry chopped smoked bacon or sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy and browned to render flavorful fat for the base.
Sauté the Aromatics: Remove most bacon grease, leaving about two tablespoons. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until onions turn translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, mustard, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Combine Beans and Sauce: Add rinsed and drained beans to the skillet with onions and bacon. Pour the sauce over the beans and stir gently to combine well.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or keep in the skillet if oven-safe. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to let flavors meld and sauce thicken.
Final Touches: Remove from oven and let beans rest for a few minutes to allow the sauce to settle and flavors to deepen before serving.

Notes

Use dried beans soaked overnight and cooked yourself for superior texture versus canned beans.
Build flavors gradually; don’t rush adding spices and sauces to enhance complexity.
Add liquid smoke sparingly as a little goes a long way to avoid bitterness.
Stir occasionally during baking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Make ahead and refrigerate overnight to deepen flavors.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 25mg