Summer BBQ Baked Beans (Printable)

Tender beans baked with brown sugar, molasses, and crispy bacon create a sweet, smoky summer side.

# Ingredient List:

→ Beans and Main Components

01 - 4 cups canned navy beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, finely diced

→ Sauce

05 - 3/4 cup ketchup
06 - 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
07 - 1/4 cup molasses
08 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
09 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat oven to 350°F
02 - In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, retaining approximately 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan
03 - Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the pan. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent
04 - Stir in drained beans, cooked bacon (reserving 2 tablespoons for topping), and all sauce ingredients. Mix thoroughly until fully combined
05 - Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat
06 - If not using an oven-safe pan, transfer mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle reserved bacon over the top
07 - Bake uncovered for 1 hour, until the beans are bubbling and the sauce has thickened
08 - Let cool for 10 minutes before serving

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Combines sweet, smoky, and savory flavors for a uniquely delicious side.
  • Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and a short prep time.
  • Perfectly balances hearty beans and crispy bacon for texture and taste.
  • Gluten-free option available by choosing the right Worcestershire sauce.
  • Makes a generous batch to feed a crowd with 8 satisfying servings.
02 -
  • Reserve some crispy bacon to sprinkle over the baked beans just before serving for added texture.
  • Use an oven-safe cast iron skillet or Dutch oven to cook and bake in the same vessel, minimizing cleanup.
  • Simmer the sauce mixture briefly before baking to help meld flavors deeply.
  • Adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper according to your preference for spice.
  • Cool beans slightly before serving to allow the sauce to thicken perfectly.
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