Summer BBQ Baked Beans (Printable Version)

Tender beans baked in a sweet, smoky sauce with bacon, ideal for summer gatherings and barbecues.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beans and Main Components

01 - 4 cups canned navy beans, drained and rinsed
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
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

# How to Prepare:

01 - Set oven temperature to 350°F and allow to fully preheat.
02 - In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
03 - Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the pan with bacon fat. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
04 - Stir in drained beans, cooked bacon, and all sauce ingredients until fully combined.
05 - Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat.
06 - If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle reserved bacon over the top.
07 - Bake uncovered for 1 hour until beans are bubbling and sauce has thickened.
08 - Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Rich, sweet, and smoky flavor profile that balances ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, and bacon perfectly
  • Easy to prepare with mostly pantry staples and canned beans for convenience
  • Feeds a crowd with 8 generous servings, ideal for potlucks and gatherings
  • Naturally gluten-free when using the right Worcestershire sauce
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day and reheat beautifully
02 -
  • Use a cast-iron skillet or enameled Dutch oven for even heat distribution and beautiful presentation straight from oven to table
  • Taste the sauce before baking and adjust sweetness or acidity to your preference
  • If the sauce seems too thick during baking, add a splash of water or chicken broth
  • Always check the labels on Worcestershire sauce if you need a gluten-free version
  • Make ahead: prepare the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight, then bake the next day for even deeper flavor
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