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Saucy Smoky Baked Beans Recipe


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4.2 from 33 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans recipe features tender baked beans simmered with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a smoky blend of spices. Enhanced with tangy apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, these beans are baked until bubbly and thick, making a flavorful and hearty side that complements BBQ dishes, burgers, or stands well on its own.


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)
  • 2 slices bacon, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the beans after sautéing.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium-low heat until brown and crispy, allowing most of the fat to render. This will add smoky flavor and fat for cooking the vegetables.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  4. Add Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
  5. Mix in Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
  6. Add the Baked Beans: Pour the canned baked beans directly into the skillet. Stir well to combine with the vegetable and bacon mixture, then bring it to a boil on the stovetop.
  7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or use an oven-safe dish if your skillet is not oven-safe) and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened to a saucy consistency.
  8. Optional Bacon Topping: For extra flavor and crispiness, lay 2 slices of bacon on top of the beans before placing the skillet in the oven.
  9. Serve: Let the beans cool slightly before serving. They pair beautifully with BBQ dishes, burgers, or can be enjoyed as a hearty standalone side dish.

Notes

  • You can adjust the chipotle chili powder based on your preferred spice level, starting with 1/4 teaspoon and increasing to 1/2 teaspoon for more heat.
  • Using an oven-safe skillet avoids the need for transferring the mixture, making cleanup easier.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use a smoky seasoning or smoked paprika to maintain depth of flavor.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Make sure to stir occasionally when bringing the mixture to a boil to prevent sticking before baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American