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.
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.
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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.