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5 from 2 votes

Southern Barbecue Baked Beans

This Southern Barbecue Baked Beans recipe features ground Italian chicken and beef bacon for a flavorful, pork-free twist on a classic side dish. Loaded with smoky, tangy barbecue flavors, it can be baked, smoked, or simmered on the stovetop to suit your cooking style. Perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this recipe delivers rich, hearty beans with a deep Southern flair.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: bbq side dish, smoked baked beans, southern barbecue baked beans
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 8 slices beef bacon cooked and crumbled (reserve 3 Tbsp drippings)
  • ½ medium green bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 medium sweet onion finely diced
  • 1 lb ground Italian-seasoned chicken
  • Seasoned salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 28 oz cans hickory-flavored baked beans (pork-free)
  • ⅔ cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 10 oz can regular diced tomatoes, drained
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp AB’s BBQ Seasoning or favorite smoky BBQ rub

Instructions

  • Cook beef bacon until crispy. Set aside to cool and crumble. Reserve 3 Tbsp drippings in pan.
  • Sauté green bell pepper and onion in bacon drippings until soft (3–5 minutes).
  • Add ground chicken; cook until no longer pink. Season with seasoned salt and black pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Stir in baked beans, barbecue sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, AB’s BBQ Seasoning, and crumbled bacon. Mix well.
  • Cooking Options
  • Oven:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Transfer mixture to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
  • Bake uncovered for 60–75 minutes until bubbly and thickened.
  • Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving.
  • Smoker:
  • Preheat smoker to 250°F with hickory or apple wood.
  • Place mixture in a disposable tray or cast iron pan.
  • Smoke uncovered for 2.5–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove and rest 10 minutes before serving.
  • Stovetop:
  • Bring mixture to a simmer in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Let rest 10–15 minutes off heat before serving.

Video

Notes

Let beans rest after cooking to thicken sauce and deepen flavor.
Use AB’s BBQ Seasoning for perfect smoky balance.
Make ahead; flavors improve overnight.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for spice, or shredded cheese for creaminess.