BBQ Baked Beans Recipe
Anytime I there is a bbq my first thought is about the brisket and the baked beans. It’s something about the sweet and the savory that gets me every time. This bbq baked beans recipe is the perfect combination of flavors to complement any cookout!
Love this cookout recipe? You’re in the right place! Check out my Creamy Potato Salad and The Best Mac & Cheese Recipes
There’s nothing quite like a hearty, flavorful side dish to complete your barbecue spread, and my Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Pork hit all the right notes. This recipe combines the sweetness of bbq sauce and brown sugar with the savory richness of ground beef and pork making it an irresistible addition to any meal. Perfect for summer cookouts, family gatherings, or potluck dinners, these baked beans are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Beans Recipe:
Furthermore, these Southern Baked Beans are more than just a side dish—they’re a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with other BBQ favorites. The combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors creates a depth that’s both comforting and satisfying. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Rich and Hearty: The addition of ground beef and pork makes these beans a substantial side or even a main dish.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet bbq sauce and brown sugar balance the tanginess of apple cider vinegar and the warmth of smoked paprika.
- Versatile: Ideal for barbecues, potlucks, or as a comforting family dinner side.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Flavors deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ground Beef and Pork: Provide a hearty, savory base that makes the dish filling and satisfying.
- Onion, Garlic, and Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add texture and a subtle sweetness.
- Baked Beans: The star of the show, offering a sweet base that’s enhanced by additional flavors.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds tanginess and sweetness, tying all the flavors together.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the tangy and savory components with its sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick that cuts through the sweetness.
- Yellow Mustard: Provides a slight tang and complexity.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth.
- Spices (Bayou City, Smoked Paprika, and salt): Create the signature smoky, spicy profile..
How to Make BBQ Baked Beans
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown Meat: Cook ground beef and pork in cast iron, remove meat from skillet, set aside, and drain excess fat.
- Sauté Veggies: Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the cast iron, cook until softened. Deglaze with apple cider vinegar.
- Combine Ingredients: Add meat back to the cast iron along with beans, bbq sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, bayou city seasonings, and salt.
- Bake: bake for 1 to 1.5 hours.
Tips for the best Baked Beans
- Adjust Sweetness: Customize the sweetness by altering the brown sugar and molasses amounts.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeño or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make Ahead: Prepare a day in advance; flavors meld and improve overnight.
- Lean Meat Option: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
FAQ
Q: Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply omit the bacon and replace the ground meat with plant-based alternatives or extra vegetables.
Q: How Do I Store Leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I Freeze Southern Baked Beans?
A: Absolutely. Let the beans cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What Can I Serve with Southern Baked Beans?
A: They pair wonderfully with BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, burgers, or even as a standalone dish with cornbread on the side.
More Sides recipes:
If you loved this BBQ Baked Beans recipe, let me know in the comments. Follow me on TikTok and Instagram for more delicious recipes!
BBQ Baked Beans
Equipment
- Cast iron Skillet
- Can opener
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground maple pork sausage
- 1 large red onion chopped
- 2 green bell peppers chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 28oz canned baked beans
- 1 cup bbq sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp bayou city all purpose seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and ground pork and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess, remove from skillet and set aside.
- To the same skillet add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and sauté until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the meat back to the cast iron along with the baked beans, bbq sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, worcestershire sauce, bayou city seasonings, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and thickened to your desired consistency. Stir once or twice during baking.
- Let the baked beans cool for a few minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar and molasses to taste.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and reheated. The flavors often improve after sitting overnight.
- To save time, use pre-chopped onions and bell peppers from the grocery store.
- For a leaner version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef and pork.
