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–+ servings

Smoky Sweet Homestyle BBQ Baked Beans

A hearty blend of slow-cooked beans with bacon, molasses, and smoky seasonings that perfectly complement any barbecue spread. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing side dish that's both comforting and packed with rich flavors.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 11 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 11 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 273
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried navy beans or red beans, soaked overnight
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
  • 1 large onion finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 4 cups chicken broth or water

Method
 

  1. Place dried beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water by at least 2 inches. Let soak overnight (or at least 8 hours). Drain and rinse thoroughly.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  3. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it begins to crisp, about 5-6 minutes.
  4. Add the diced onion and green pepper to the bacon and drippings. Cook until vegetables soften, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Stir in the drained beans, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth or water and stir to combine. The liquid should just cover the beans. Add more if needed.
  8. Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop.
  9. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated oven.
  10. Bake for 2 hours, then remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
  11. Check occasionally during the uncovered baking time, stirring gently and adding a little more liquid if the beans appear too dry.
  12. Once done, let the beans rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly more.

Nutrition

Calories: 273kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 11gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 995mgFiber: 10g
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