Summer BBQ Baked Beans (Printable Page)

Tender beans baked with brown sugar, smoky bacon, and spices to create a flavorful summer side.

# What You Need:

→ Beans and Main Components

01 - 4 cups canned navy beans, drained and rinsed (about 2 cans, 30 oz total)
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, gluten-free preferred
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

# Steps:

01 - Set oven to 350°F and allow to reach temperature.
02 - In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside, preserving approximately 2 tablespoons bacon fat in pan.
03 - Add diced onion and green bell pepper to bacon fat and 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 incorporated.
05 - Heat mixture over medium heat until simmering, then remove from stovetop.
06 - If skillet is not oven-safe, transfer mixture to baking dish. Sprinkle reserved bacon over surface.
07 - Bake uncovered for 1 hour until beans are bubbling and sauce has thickened to desired consistency.
08 - Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect balance of sweet brown sugar, smoky bacon, and tangy molasses
  • Ready in just 90 minutes with minimal hands-on prep
  • Crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs beautifully with any grilled meat
  • Uses simple pantry staples and canned beans for convenience
  • Easily adaptable for vegetarian diets or spice preferences
02 -
  • Reserve a portion of crispy bacon for topping to add textural contrast and visual appeal
  • Don't skip draining and rinsing the canned beans—this removes excess sodium and starch
  • Use an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven to minimize dishes and enhance presentation
  • Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference
  • Check Worcestershire sauce labels if serving gluten-free guests—some brands contain gluten
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