Print

BBQ Bacon Baked Beans

BBQ Bacon Baked Beans

BBQ Bacon Baked Beans are a smoky, sweet, and savory side dish featuring tender baked beans combined with crispy bacon and a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. This flavorful recipe is perfect for cookouts, family gatherings, or meal prep, offering a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and barbecue favorites.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 cans (28 oz each) baked beans
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Flavorings

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set aside on paper towels to drain excess fat. Keep some of the bacon fat in the skillet to add flavor to the next steps.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  3. Combine Beans and Flavorings: Add the canned baked beans to the skillet along with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Gently stir everything together to combine all the flavors and aromas.
  4. Simmer and Finish: Lower the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld. Just before serving, stir the crispy bacon back into the beans, reserving a few pieces for garnish if desired.

Notes

  • Use quality thick-cut bacon for the best smoky flavor and texture.
  • Optionally, after simmering, bake the beans in a baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  • Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more brown sugar or barbecue sauce as preferred.
  • Cooking onions and garlic in bacon fat adds a savory depth to the dish.
  • Allow the beans to rest for a few minutes before serving to let flavors settle.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ bacon baked beans, barbecue side dish, smoky baked beans, bacon beans, cookout side, barbecue beans recipe