Sweet and smoky baked beans, slow-cooked to perfection. I cooked in a cast-iron skillet right on the grill, they soak up the smoky essence of the BBQ, tying the whole meal together. The beans are enveloped in a thick sauce, indicating a perfect balance of sweetness and savory smokiness. This dish has a homey, authentic, and mouthwatering appeal.
Why this recipe is perfect for BBQ gatherings?
Sweet and Smoky Baked Beans are the ultimate companion for any barbecue feast because they balance the smoky savoriness of grilled meats with a comforting, slightly sweet flavor. The thick, rich sauce complements ribs, brisket, pulled pork, or burgers, while the beans make sure no one leaves the table hungry.
Sweet and Smoky Baked Beans
Sweet and Smoky Baked Beans are a hearty side dish made with tender beans, bacon, onions, and a sweet-savory BBQ sauce that’s smoked and slow-cooked to perfection. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and barbecue notes makes it the perfect pairing for any BBQ meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 3 - 16 oz cans of Pork & Beans
- 2 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup Ketchup
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 3 to 4 Garlic Cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
- 5 to 6 strips Bacon chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- ½ cup Onions
Instructions
- In a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat .
- Add ground beef, onions, and garlic. Break the beef apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned.
- Add salt and pepper
- Drain any excess grease, but leave a small amount for richness.
- Pour the pork & beans into the skillet.
- Add the brown sugar, chili powder, ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, and worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke for deep, smoky flavor.
- Place the skillet on the grill or smoker over indirect heat at 225°F for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and develops a smoky flavor.
- Once done, let the beans rest for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
- Serve hot as a side dish for BBQ meats, burgers, or grilled veggies.
Video
Recipe Tips
For an extra depth of flavor, cook the beans on a smoker or grill instead of in the oven. The slow infusion of wood smoke will elevate the sweetness and give them an irresistible smoky flavor.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Leave a Reply