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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the beans after sautéing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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