BBQ Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 55 ounces Baked Beans (I used Bush's Original)
- 1/2 lb Bacon (Thick-cut recommended)
- 1/2 Yellow Onion
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce
- 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tsp Angry BBQ Sweet Rub
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Frying Pan for bacon
- Sharp Knife
Instructions
Cook the Bacon & Onions
- Dice the bacon into half-inch pieces and cook until it's thoroughly cooked but not crispy yet – you want some fat rendered, but the bacon shouldn't be fully crispy.
- You can cook the onions with bacon grease, or you can add them directly to the beans without cooking them. The raw onions will give the beans more onion flavor. It’s your call.
Make The Baked Beans
- Pour canned beans into your pot. Add the cooked bacon and the bacon grease.
- Add the onions. If you didn't cook them in the bacon grease already.
- Add the brown sugar.
- Add the BBQ sauce.
- Add the ketchup and mustard
- Add the Sweet BBQ Rub.
Bake or Smoke
- Stir thoroughly to combine. Place the uncovered pot in the smoker or oven at 250°F. Cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Beans are done when they reach the desired thickness and onions are tender.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition
Onion Tip
You can add the onions raw to the beans. The onions will get fully cooked while you are cooking the beans. This will give the beans slightly more onion flavor. The more popular option is to add the onions to the bacon grease and brown them for a few minutes before adding them to the beans.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or serrano peppers and a teaspoon of chipotle powder
- Bourbon-Infused: Add two tablespoons of bourbon with the wet ingredients
- Meat Lover’s: Double the bacon and add 1/2 pound of smoked sausage.
What to Serve BBQ Baked Beans With
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these beans ahead of time? Yes, these beans actually improve in flavor when made 1 to 2 days ahead. Store in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stovetop, oven, or smoker at 250°F.
Why aren’t my beans thickening? Cook them uncovered, and the beans will thicken as they cook. The liquid will reduce and concentrate the flavors.
Can I freeze these beans? Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months. I would recommend vacuum sealing these. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a saucepan, oven, or smoker. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if the beans start to dry out.
Serving Size
This recipe serves 10-12 as a side dish. Cut all the ingredients in half for a smaller group of 4 people and use a smaller pot.
