Smoky and Savory: The Ultimate BBQ Beans Recipe

Welcome to my BBQ Beans recipe! If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy, sweet, and savory, then look no further! These beans are perfect for any backyard barbecue, potluck, or family gathering.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and smoky bacon make for a flavor explosion in your mouth. Plus, it’s easy to customize this recipe to your liking by adding your favorite meats and vegetables.

Whether you’re a fan of pulled pork, beef, or chicken, these beans will complement any main dish. They’re also a great vegetarian option if you skip the meat.

So don’t hesitate to give this BBQ Beans recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with my BBQ Beans Recipe! This dish is perfect for any backyard barbecue or potluck, and will wow your guests with its delicious flavors and hearty texture. So why will you love this recipe? Let me count the ways!

First of all, let’s talk about the ingredients. This recipe combines kidney beans, pink beans, and baked beans for a deliciously complex flavor and texture. Add some ham and bacon for a meaty, smoky taste, and green pepper and onion for a bit of crunch. And of course, no barbecue beans recipe is complete without a generous helping of barbecue sauce and brown sugar.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the cooking method. I recommend using a slow cooker or Dutch oven to cook the beans low and slow, allowing all the flavors to meld together and creating a rich, velvety sauce. And if you’re short on time, you can even make this recipe in an Instant Pot for a quick and easy meal.

But perhaps the best thing about this BBQ Beans Recipe is its versatility. You can make it sweet or spicy, depending on your taste preferences, and even customize it to fit different regional barbecue styles. Want to make it Carolina style? Add some vinegar and hot sauce. Feeling Southern? Throw in some molasses. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some Filipino-style banana ketchup for a unique twist.

So whether you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish for your next backyard barbecue or a hearty, comforting meal for a cozy night in, my BBQ Beans Recipe is sure to please. So fire up the grill, grab your favorite beverage, and get ready to enjoy some of the best barbecue beans you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you will need to make the perfect BBQ beans recipe:

• 1 pound bacon, diced
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can pink beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can baked beans
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

Feel free to use different types of beans, such as pinto or great northern beans, to give this dish a unique twist. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can also swap out the bacon for ham or leave it out altogether. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more brown sugar for a sweeter taste or hot sauce for a spicier kick.

The Recipe How-To

Now, let’s get down to business and start cooking these mouthwatering BBQ beans!

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) pink beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) baked beans
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the kidney beans, pink beans, baked beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for at least 1 hour, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. If you’re using a slow cooker, cook the beans on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Once the beans are cooked, stir in the reserved diced bacon. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more hot sauce or brown sugar to suit your taste buds.
7. Serve the BBQ beans hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.

Instant Pot Instructions:

1. Select the sauté function on your Instant Pot and cook the diced bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the kidney beans, pink beans, baked beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine.
4. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
5. Once the beans are cooked, stir in the reserved diced bacon. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more hot sauce or brown sugar to suit your taste buds.
6. Serve the BBQ beans hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.

Tip: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of molasses or honey

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up with this BBQ beans recipe, there are plenty of options to do so while still achieving fantastic results. Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:

– Beans: While this recipe calls for a combination of kidney beans, pink beans, and baked beans, you can use any type of canned beans you have on hand. Great northern beans, pinto beans, or even red beans would work well.

– Meat: The addition of ham and bacon is what makes this recipe so delicious, but if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat altogether or substitute it with meat alternatives like tempeh or tofu.

– Onion and Green Pepper: The onion and green pepper add a nice crunch and flavor to the dish, but if you don’t have them on hand, you can substitute them with other vegetables like carrots or celery.

– BBQ Sauce: While I love using homemade BBQ sauce, you can certainly use your favorite store-bought brand. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add some honey or molasses to the sauce. For a spicier kick, add some hot sauce or mustard.

– Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: This recipe can easily be adapted to a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Simply add all of the ingredients to the pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours in a slow cooker or 30 minutes in an Instant Pot.

– Regional Variations: BBQ beans can be enjoyed in many different styles depending on the region you’re in. For example, if you’re looking for a Carolina-style BBQ, add some vinegar to the mix. For a Hawaiian twist, add some pineapple or peach to the sauce. For a Southern-style BBQ, add some mustard to the sauce. The possibilities are endless!

By making some of these substitutions or variations, you can customize this recipe to your liking and create a dish that’s unique to your tastes.

Serving and Pairing

BBQ beans are the perfect side dish for any backyard barbecue or family gathering. They are so delicious and versatile that they can be paired with a variety of different foods. Here are some ideas for serving and pairing BBQ beans:

– Serve them with grilled meats such as chicken, ribs, or steak. The sweet and smoky flavor of the beans pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the meat.

– Add them to a burger or hot dog for a delicious and filling meal. The beans provide a great texture and flavor that complement the meat perfectly.

– Pair them with a fresh salad for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner. The beans provide a good source of protein and fiber that will keep you feeling full and energized.

– Use them as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes for a fun and flavorful twist on classic dishes.

– Serve them as a side dish with other barbecue favorites such as coleslaw, cornbread, or mac and cheese.

When it comes to pairing BBQ beans, the possibilities are endless. They are a versatile and easy-to-make side dish that everyone will love. So, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavor combinations and find your favorite way to enjoy these delicious beans!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the best things about this BBQ Beans recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. This is perfect for busy weeknights or for preparing for a backyard barbecue.

To make ahead, simply prepare the recipe as instructed and let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the beans in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the beans have thickened, you can add a little bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Storing the BBQ Beans is easy. Simply transfer the beans to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. However, it is essential to allow the beans to cool down to room temperature before storing them. This prevents any bacteria from growing in the beans.

When reheating the beans, it is important to do so slowly to ensure that they do not burn or overcook. You can reheat the beans in a pot on the stove or in the microwave. Just be sure to stir them occasionally to ensure that they heat evenly.

Overall, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals and storing for later use. With a little bit of planning, you can easily have a delicious and flavorful side dish ready to go whenever you need it!

Tips for Perfect Results

If you want to make the best barbecue baked beans recipe, here are some tips that will help you achieve the perfect result every time:

1. Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will determine the quality of your dish. Use fresh garlic cloves, onions, green peppers, and high-quality barbecue sauce to make sure that your barbecue beans are flavorful and delicious.

2. Cook the bacon until crispy: Bacon is an essential ingredient in barbecue baked beans. To make sure that your bacon is crispy and adds that smoky flavor to your beans, cook it until it’s brown and crisp.

3. Use a slow cooker or an instant pot: A slow cooker or an instant pot is an excellent tool for cooking barbecue baked beans. These kitchen appliances will help you cook your beans evenly and infuse them with flavor.

4. Rinse and drain your beans: Make sure to rinse and drain your beans before adding them to your dish. This will remove any excess salt and starch and make your beans easier to digest.

5. Add a variety of beans: To make your barbecue baked beans more interesting and flavorful, add a variety of beans such as pink beans, kidney beans, and great northern beans. This will add texture and color to your dish.

6. Adjust the sweetness: Barbecue baked beans are typically sweet, but you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer your beans less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar or molasses that you add to your dish.

7. Experiment with different barbecue sauces: There are many different types of barbecue sauces available, each with its own unique flavor profile. Experiment with different sauces to find the one that you like the best.

8. Serve with the right pairings: Barbecue baked beans are a great side dish for many different dishes, including burgers, pulled pork, and grilled chicken. Experiment with different pairings to find the one that works best for you.

By following these tips, you can make the best barbecue baked beans that will impress all of your guests at your next backyard barbecue.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this BBQ beans recipe is the perfect addition to any backyard barbecue or family gathering. It is easy to make, delicious to taste, and can be customized to fit any dietary needs or preferences. Whether you like your beans sweet and tangy or spicy and bold, this recipe has got you covered. With a perfect balance of brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and bacon, these beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with the best BBQ baked beans they have ever tasted. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. Whether you are a fan of Carolina style, Hawaiian, or Texas beans, this recipe can be adapted to suit your taste buds.

In the end, the key to making the best barbecue beans is to use high-quality ingredients, follow the instructions carefully, and add your own personal touch. So, fire up the grill, grab a cold drink, and let’s get cooking!

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