Summer BBQ Baked Beans (Printable)

Rich, smoky baked beans with brown sugar and crispy bacon; a classic summer side dish everyone loves.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving approximately 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
03 - Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
04 - Stir in drained beans, cooked bacon (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping), and all sauce ingredients. Mix until fully incorporated.
05 - Bring 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 beans are bubbling and sauce has thickened.
08 - Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Rich, sweet, and smoky flavors that complement summer grilling like no other.
  • Crispy bacon adds a satisfying texture and depth of taste.
  • Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it approachable for any cook.
  • Gluten-free adaptable with easy ingredient swaps.
  • Feeds a crowd with 8 hearty servings.
02 -
  • Reserve some bacon for topping to add a crunchy texture contrast.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet to reduce dishes and speed up prep.
  • Simmering the beans with sauce before baking helps meld the flavors deeply.
  • Let the beans rest after baking to thicken the sauce further and enhance flavor.
  • Check your Worcestershire sauce for gluten content if dietary restrictions apply.
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