Description
This Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans recipe combines rich smoky flavors with a touch of sweetness and spice, making it a perfect side dish for BBQs or a hearty standalone treat. Featuring crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, and a blend of spices and sauces baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 slices bacon, diced
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 (22-ounce) cans baked beans (Bush’s Grillin’ Beans recommended)
Optional Topping
- 2 slices bacon, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the beans later in the recipe.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium-low heat until it is brown and crispy, rendering most of the fat. This adds a smoky, savory base to the dish.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked bacon. Sauté, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ flavors.
- Mix in the Sauces and Sweetener: Add the apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar to the skillet. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Add the Baked Beans: Pour the canned baked beans directly into the skillet. Stir well to incorporate and bring the mixture to a gentle boil on the stovetop.
- Bake the Beans: Transfer the skillet (or move the mixture to an oven-safe dish if needed) to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened, enhancing the dish’s texture and depth of flavor.
- Optional Bacon Topping: If desired, place two slices of bacon on top of the beans before baking for an extra smoky flavor and added crispiness.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the beans cool slightly before serving. They complement BBQ dishes and burgers perfectly or can stand alone as a hearty, flavorful side.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe skillet saves on extra dishes, but you can transfer to a baking dish if needed.
- Adjust the chipotle chili powder for your preferred spice level; start with 1/4 teaspoon if sensitive to heat.
- For vegetarian variation, omit bacon and use smoked paprika and liquid smoke for flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be gently reheated on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Serve with crusty bread or over grilled meats for a complete meal.
