Hey there, fellow BBQ enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you know that no backyard barbecue is complete without a delicious side of Smoked BBQ Baked Beans.
But why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your BBQ game with my signature Smoked BBQ Baked Beans recipe?
To start, we’ll sizzle up a package of bacon on the grill until it’s perfectly crispy. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!
Next, we’ll sauté the green peppers, onions, and lean ground beef in a cast iron skillet, adding flavor to our beans.
But here’s where things get interesting. We’ll kick things up a notch with my secret weapon: AB’s BBQ seasoning blend. Packed with just the right balance of spices, this blend will take your beans from ordinary to extraordinary in no time.
We’ll mix our remaining ingredients creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. All in an aluminum pan. This will create the best Smoked BBQ Baked Beans at the function!
Now, it’s time to take our creation to the smoker, where all the magic happens. As our beans slowly simmer to perfection, they’ll absorb all the delicious flavors swirling around them, transforming into a nothing short of extraordinary dish.
And when it’s finally time to serve, you can bet your guests will be coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Each bite bursts with smoky goodness, savory bacon, and a symphony of flavors that will leave them clamoring for more.
So, the next time you fire up the grill, why not give my Smoked BBQ Baked Beans recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Smoked BBQ Baked Beans
- Use good-quality baked beans as your base. Look for brands that aren’t overly sweet or mushy.
- Don’t skip the rest time. That 15-minute pause allows the sauce to set up and gives you a better texture and richer flavor.
- Want it spicier? Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Like it sweeter? Drizzle in a bit of molasses or maple syrup.
- Use a cast iron skillet or foil pan. It holds the heat well and gives a slight caramelized edge to the beans.
- Ground sausage can be swapped for beef if you want more spice or flavor variety.
- Make ahead tip: You can prep the beans a day in advance, refrigerate, and then reheat on the smoker or in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without a smoker?
Yes! You can bake them in a conventional oven at 325°F for about an hour. You won’t get that smoky flavor, but you can add a touch of liquid smoke to mimic it.
What type of wood should I use in the smoker?
Hickory and applewood are great choices. Hickory brings that classic BBQ smoke, while applewood adds a mellow, sweet note.
Can I freeze smoked baked beans?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the oven.
How do I make this vegetarian?
Skip the bacon and beef, and double up on diced peppers and onions. Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder for that smoky punch.
Can I use homemade baked beans instead of canned?
Definitely. If you have a homemade baked beans recipe you love, feel free to use that as the base.
How many people does this recipe feed?
This makes enough for about 6 to 8 hearty servings. Perfect for a BBQ spread, but you can easily double it for a larger gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these smoked BBQ baked beans with:
- Smoked ribs
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Grilled hot links or sausages
- BBQ chicken
- Cornbread
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Macaroni and cheese
You can even serve them on top of a baked potato or in a BBQ burrito.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Use the microwave for individual servings or warm on the stovetop for a crowd.
Make It for a Crowd
Hosting a big cookout? You can easily double or triple this recipe. Just make sure you have a larger tray (or multiple trays) and rotate them in the smoker for even cooking. Keep extra sauce on hand in case you want to loosen the mixture a bit.
My Signature Smoked BBQ Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 1 package thick-cut bacon
- 2 28 oz. cans baked beans
- 1 green bell pepper finely diced
- 1 sweet onion finely diced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce AB’s or your favorite
- 1 10 oz. can seasoned tomatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp AB’s BBQ seasoning or your favorite rub
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F. Use a pellet grill, offset smoker, or any preferred setup.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté green bell pepper and sweet onion until soft. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease. Season with BBQ seasoning.
- In an aluminum tray, add baked beans, then stir in the cooked beef and veggie mixture, chopped bacon, barbecue sauce, seasoned tomatoes, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and additional seasoning. Mix thoroughly.
- Place the tray in the smoker and cook for 60–75 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb the smoky flavor and the sauce to thicken.
- Remove from the smoker and let rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve hot alongside your favorite BBQ dishes.
Notes
• Want it spicy? Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Beans thicken as they rest—don’t skip the 15-minute rest time.
• You can make this ahead and reheat on the smoker or in the oven.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
