Best Easy BBQ Beans Recipe: Smoky, Sweet Side Dish in 2 Hours

Ultimate Easy BBQ Beans Recipe – Smoky, Sweet & Ready in No Time

Looking for the perfect easy BBQ beans recipe that delivers big flavor without hours of work? These smoky, savory beans combine the convenience of canned beans with homemade flavor for a side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds at your next cookout!

Why You’ll Love This Easy BBQ Baked Beans Recipe

• Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples and canned beans
• Minimal prep – Just mix and bake!
• Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and family dinners
• Make-ahead friendly – Even better the next day
• Versatile – Pairs with everything from burgers to brisket

Ingredients for the Best BBQ Beans

• 2 (28 ounce) cans pork and beans
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)
• Cooking spray

How to Make Easy BBQ Baked Beans

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly coat a 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it begins to crisp but isn’t completely done, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the bacon fat. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pork and beans, cooked bacon, and sautéed vegetables. Add the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke (if using). Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Pour the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 2 hours, or until the beans have thickened and the top has slightly caramelized. For an even thicker consistency, bake for an additional 15-30 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. The beans will continue to thicken as they cool slightly.

Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Baked Beans

• Choose your bacon wisely: Thick-cut bacon adds more smoky flavor and better texture.
• Customize the sweetness: Adjust brown sugar to taste – use less for a more savory dish or more for sweeter beans.
• Make it spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
• Slow cooker option: Transfer the mixed ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
• Add meat: For a heartier dish, mix in 1/2 pound of browned ground beef or pulled pork.

Variations on Classic BBQ Beans

Southern-Style BBQ Beans

Add 1/4 cup molasses and substitute 1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke with 1 teaspoon of bourbon for authentic Southern flavor.

Tex-Mex BBQ Beans

Add 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and top with shredded cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Vegetarian BBQ Beans

Skip the bacon and use vegetarian baked beans. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to maintain the smoky flavor.

What to Serve with BBQ Beans

These versatile BBQ beans pair beautifully with almost any barbecue main dish:

• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Grilled chicken
• Smoked brisket
• Burgers and hot dogs
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Coleslaw
• Cornbread

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftover beans in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight!

Freeze: These beans freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat: Warm beans in a microwave-safe dish, covered, stirring occasionally. For oven reheating, bake covered at 325°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

FAQs About BBQ Baked Beans

Can I make this easy BBQ beans recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! These beans actually taste even better the next day. Prepare up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.

What kind of barbecue sauce works best?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce! Sweet and smoky varieties work wonderfully, but feel free to use spicy or tangy styles based on your preference.

Can I cook these beans in a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Yes! After combining all ingredients, transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Are there any bean substitutes I can use?

While pork and beans are traditional, you can use navy beans, pinto beans, or a combination. Just add extra BBQ sauce and seasonings if using plain beans.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Use vegetarian baked beans and omit the bacon. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to maintain the rich flavor.

This easy BBQ beans recipe is sure to become a staple at your family gatherings and barbecues. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect side dish for any occasion!

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes