People don’t just like Mom’s Famous Southern-Style Baked Beans; they absolutely adore them. Imagine the smoky, sweet, and savory aroma wafting from the kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come. These aren’t just any baked beans; they’re a flavor explosion that will make you the star of any BBQ. Even those with the most disciplined palates will find themselves reaching for seconds, and maybe even thirds. And when offered leftovers? Let’s just say “yes, please!” is an understatement.
This recipe is a serious contender for your “last meal” request. Perfect for summer cookouts, family gatherings, or any time you crave that classic BBQ flavor. Forget ordinary sides; these Pioneer Woman Bbq Beans are about to become legendary at your table.
Close-up shot of Mom's Famous Southern-Style Baked Beans in a baking dish, showcasing the bubbly sauce and crispy bacon topping.
Mom’s Famous Southern-Style Baked Beans – Your Guide to Pioneer Woman BBQ Perfection
This recipe, inspired by classic Southern flavors and perfect for any BBQ spread, brings together simple ingredients to create deeply satisfying baked beans. It’s a dish that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress, embodying the hearty, home-style cooking style often associated with the Pioneer Woman.
Yields: 12-18 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
- 8 slices bacon, halved
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced small
- ½ medium green bell pepper, diced small
- 3 large cans (28 ounces each) pork and beans (for an authentic Pioneer Woman touch, consider using a high-quality brand)
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite, from smoky to sweet)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder or 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Equipment:
- Large, deep sauté pan or skillet
- 13×9 inch oven-safe baking dish
Instructions
- Get Started: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Position a rack in the lower-middle part of the oven. In your large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s partially cooked and has rendered about ¼ cup of bacon drippings. Remove the bacon and set aside on paper towels to drain.
- Sauté Aromatics: Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet. Add the diced onions and green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté over medium heat until they become softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the pork and beans and the remaining ingredients (barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard) to the skillet. Stir everything together well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. If your skillet isn’t large enough to hold all the beans, transfer the mixture to a large bowl after simmering and then stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the bean mixture into a greased 13×9 inch baking dish (or a similar sized oven-safe dish). Arrange the partially cooked bacon slices on top of the beans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or until the beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened to a syrup-like consistency, reminiscent of pancake syrup.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the beans stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to thicken slightly further. Serve hot and watch them disappear!
Recipe Notes:
- Thicker Beans: For even thicker Pioneer Woman BBQ beans, you can extend the baking time up to 3 hours. The longer they bake, the richer and thicker they will become. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, especially if your oven runs hot.
- Bean Variations: While pork and beans are classic, you can experiment with other types. Bush’s baked beans are a popular alternative and work wonderfully in this recipe if you prefer a different base flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the bean mixture.
- Smoky Flavor Boost: Enhance the smoky BBQ flavor by adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to the beans.
Overhead view of a serving of Mom's Famous Southern-Style Baked Beans in a white bowl, garnished with fresh parsley.
These Pioneer Woman BBQ Beans are more than just a side dish; they are a BBQ essential. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party, attending a potluck, or simply want a comforting and flavorful meal, this recipe will not disappoint. Get ready for rave reviews and requests for the recipe – you’ve officially mastered the art of Pioneer Woman-style BBQ beans!
