The Perfect BBQD Beans Recipe for Your Cookout Feast

Smoky aromas of bbqd beans waft through the backyard, promising a side dish that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Charred edges and deep flavors define this classic summer staple.

Backyard cookouts demand something special beyond ordinary baked beans.

Slow-simmered with a perfect blend of sweet and tangy ingredients, these beans pack a serious punch.

Bacon becomes more than a mere garnish, turning into a flavor powerhouse that elevates every single bite.

Neighborhood gatherings will never be the same once you master this killer recipe.

Dig in and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Why BBQD Beans Are a Sweet and Smoky Favorite

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Layers of bacon, barbecue sauce, and mixed beans create a rich, tantalizing taste profile that elevates traditional baked beans.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners, this hearty side dish satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its sweet and savory combination.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for cooking bacon and sautéing vegetables, making preparation simple and straightforward.
• Versatile Serving Option: Pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, picnics, summer barbecues, and can be served hot or at room temperature for maximum convenience.

Ingredients for Rich, Slow-Cooked BBQ Beans

• Baked Beans, Kidney Beans, Butter Beans: A hearty mix of different beans that creates a rich and satisfying base for the dish.

• Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the beans.

• Barbecue Sauce, Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Mustard: Provide a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that complement the beans.
• Onion, Bell Pepper: Add depth and aromatic sweetness to the bean mixture.
• Black Pepper: Gives a subtle spicy kick to the dish.

How to Simmer Bold Flavor Into Every Bite

Step 1: Firing Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F, preparing it for the delicious bean transformation ahead.

Step 2: Sizzling Bacon Prep

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it becomes wonderfully crisp.

Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, saving those flavorful drippings.

Step 3: Sautéing Veggie Base

• Chopped onion
• Diced bell pepper

Sauté these veggies until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aromatics.

Step 4: Creating the Bean Medley

• Baked beans
• Kidney beans
• Butter beans
• Barbecue sauce
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard
• Black pepper

Stir all ingredients together, creating a rich and tangy bean mixture.

Step 5: Incorporating Crispy Bacon

Crumble the reserved bacon and mix it thoroughly into the bean combination, ensuring every bite will have a smoky crunch.

Step 6: Baking to Perfection

Transfer the entire bean mixture to a baking dish. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for one hour.

The sauce will bubble and thicken, creating a mouthwatering side dish that’s sure to impress.

Tips for Sweet, Sticky, and Savory Beans

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or tempeh to create a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version of these delicious beans.
• Choose a smoky barbecue sauce to enhance the rich, deep flavor profile of the dish.
• Let the beans rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and settle, creating a more cohesive texture.
• Use low-sodium beans and barbecue sauce if you're watching salt intake, and adjust seasonings accordingly for maximum taste.
• For added heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce before baking to give the beans a spicy kick.

Ways to Customize Your BBQ Bean Game

• Smoky Chipotle Beans: Replace barbecue sauce with chipotle peppers in adobo for a spicy, smoky flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Southwest Beans: Swap bacon with plant-based chorizo or smoked tempeh and add roasted corn and diced green chiles.
• Honey Maple Beans: Substitute brown sugar with a combination of honey and maple syrup for a deeper, caramelized sweetness.
• Mediterranean Herb Beans: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, fresh oregano, and diced sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

What to Serve with Hearty BBQ Beans

• Pair with Smoky Pulled Pork: Complement the rich, tangy BBQ beans with tender pulled pork that echoes the barbecue flavors and adds protein-packed goodness.
• Serve with Cornbread Muffins: Crisp-edged, slightly sweet cornbread muffins provide the perfect textural contrast and soak up the delicious bean sauce.
• Match with Crisp Coleslaw: Fresh, crunchy coleslaw with a light vinegar dressing cuts through the beans' richness and adds a refreshing side element.
• Drink Pairing – Cold Amber Ale: A smooth, malty amber ale balances the sweet and savory notes of the beans while enhancing the overall barbecue experience.

Storing and Reheating Tips for BBQ Beans

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled beans to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Freezer Preservation: Pack beans in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring minimal freezer burn by sealing completely.
• Microwave Reheating: Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Restoration: Warm beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to restore moisture.

BBQD Beans FAQs—Get the Saucy Scoop

• Can I use canned beans for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Canned beans work perfectly and save time. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the skillet.

• Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently spicy. The barbecue sauce and other ingredients create a sweet and tangy flavor profile without heat. You can add hot sauce if you want more kick.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor. Use vegetarian bacon bits or omit bacon completely and add extra seasonings.

• What type of barbecue sauce works best?

Choose a thick, sweet barbecue sauce like Kansas City-style or Memphis-style. Avoid thin, vinegar-based sauces as they might make the beans too runny.

BBQD Beans Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Smoky, sweet bbq’d beans deliver a rich Southern comfort that dances between tangy and hearty. Packed with robust flavors and slow-cooked perfection, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic side dish that brings warmth to any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Meats:

• 1 pound bacon, diced

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

Beans and Sauces:

• 1 (28 ounces / 794 grams) can baked beans
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) for preparing the hearty bean casserole.
2. Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Utilize the rendered bacon fat to sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Incorporate all bean varieties – baked beans, kidney beans, and butter beans – into the skillet with the softened vegetables.
5. Pour in barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to create a harmonious flavor profile.
6. Crumble the reserved crisp bacon and fold into the bean mixture, ensuring even distribution.
7. Transfer the entire bean medley to a baking dish, spreading it evenly to promote consistent heating.
8. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and thicken while developing rich, complex flavors.

Notes

• Always choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture in your beans.
• Consider draining excess bacon fat if you prefer a lighter dish, but keep some for rich taste.
• Experiment with different barbecue sauce brands to customize the overall sweetness and tanginess of the beans.
• For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a deep, smoky profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg