Print

Smoky BBQ Baked Beans

Print Recipe

Sweet, smoky, and tangy baked beans loaded with crispy bacon, molasses, and BBQ sauce, baked low and slow until thick and irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 (15 oz) cans navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove half the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside for topping, leaving the rest in the pan with the drippings.
  3. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the beans, BBQ sauce, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
  5. Pour in the water or broth and stir again, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 60-75 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the sauce is thick and glossy and the top is slightly caramelized.
  7. Remove from the oven and top with the reserved crispy bacon. Let the smoky BBQ baked beans rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra depth of smoky flavor, use smoked bacon or add a small piece of smoked ham hock while baking. These beans taste even better the next day, so feel free to make them ahead and reheat gently on the stove.

Find it online: https://www.rapidrecipes.blog/smoky-bbq-baked-beans/