Easy BBQ Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky, savory, and slightly tangy, BBQ baked beans are a must-have side dish for a classic American summer cookout. This easy version uses canned beans, so there’s no need to soak dried beans overnight. It’s especially convenient when you’re cooking for a crowd.
Ingredients
- 4 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or pork and beans, drained
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup water, if needed
Instructions
1. Cook the bacon: Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until browned and slightly crispy.
2. Add the vegetables: Remove excess bacon grease if necessary, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons in the pan. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Make the BBQ mixture: Stir in the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
4. Add the beans: Gently fold in the drained beans until they're evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the skillet or transfer the beans to a baking dish and bake for about 35–45 minutes.
6. Finish uncovered: Remove the cover during the final 10–15 minutes of baking. This allows the sauce to thicken and develop a delicious caramelized top.
7. Check the consistency: If the beans become too thick, stir in a small amount of water. If they're too loose, bake uncovered for a few extra minutes.
8. Rest and serve: Let the baked beans rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as they cool.
Slow Cooker Option
For a hands-off BBQ side dish, combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or until hot and flavorful. Stir occasionally and keep the lid on during cooking.
Recipe Tips
- For extra smoky flavor, add another ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- For spicy BBQ baked beans, add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute maple syrup for part of the brown sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- Want them meat-free? Simply leave out the bacon and add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for extra smoky flavor.
- Make them a few hours ahead and keep them warm until your BBQ starts.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35–45 minutes
Servings: 8–10
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