Deliciously Saucy and Smoky Baked Beans: A Flavorful Side Dish Inspired by Pioneer Woman

Summer cookouts and barbecues are simply incomplete without a generous serving of baked beans. This recipe elevates the classic side dish to a whole new level of deliciousness, drawing inspiration from the hearty, flavorful style often associated with Pioneer Woman recipes, but with a quicker, semi-homemade approach perfect for busy cooks.

If you thought you weren’t a baked bean fan, think again! These saucy, smoky baked beans have the power to convert even the staunchest skeptics. They strike the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a depth of flavor that comes from bacon, BBQ sauce, and a blend of smoky spices. Whether you’re serving them alongside burgers, ribs, or grilled chicken, these beans are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Close-up of bacon, peppers, and onions being sautéed in a skillet with seasonings for baked beans

For years, I considered myself a baked bean indifferent, at best. That was until I discovered the magic of homemade baked beans, particularly a bourbon-infused version that completely changed my perspective. It opened my eyes to the incredible potential of this humble dish, and I realized that with the right combination of ingredients and flavors, baked beans could be the star of the side dish spread.

While completely from-scratch baked beans, using dried beans and hours of simmering, have their place, sometimes you need a quicker, more convenient option without sacrificing flavor. That’s where this recipe comes in. It’s a semi-homemade marvel that utilizes canned baked beans as a base, but elevates them with fresh ingredients and a symphony of smoky, savory seasonings.

Baked beans in a skillet, ready to be transferred to the oven for baking

Don’t let the “semi-homemade” aspect fool you – these beans are bursting with flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of taste you achieve in a relatively short amount of time. By starting with quality canned baked beans and adding layers of flavor with bacon, sautéed vegetables, and a carefully curated spice blend, you create a side dish that tastes like it simmered for hours.

Speaking of canned baked beans, choosing the right brand can make a difference. While you can use your favorite brand, for this particular recipe, I highly recommend Bush’s Grillin’ Beans. The Southern Pit BBQ or Bourbon Bacon flavors are especially fantastic and complement the other ingredients beautifully. However, the beauty of this recipe is its adaptability – feel free to use whatever canned baked beans you have on hand.

The result is a thicker, more luscious baked bean, with a delightful syrupy texture that’s incredibly satisfying. They aren’t overly sweet, thanks to the balance of Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a touch of chipotle chili powder, which adds a subtle warmth and smokiness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the beans and brown sugar.

Flavor That Speaks Volumes

Adapted over time from a recipe inspired by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, these baked beans are designed to deliver maximum flavor without requiring all-day cooking. The original Pioneer Woman recipe is fantastic, but it makes a large quantity, which isn’t always necessary for smaller gatherings or family meals. This version is scaled down to a more manageable size, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Serving dish of saucy and smoky baked beans, highlighting the rich sauce and texture

Unlike some baked bean recipes that rely on hot dogs as a primary ingredient, this version focuses on pure, unadulterated bean flavor, enhanced by smoky bacon and aromatic spices. While hot dogs have their place (especially at summer barbecues!), they aren’t needed to make these baked beans a standout side dish.

These baked beans are so versatile and delicious, you might even find yourself enjoying them in unexpected ways. Think beyond just a side dish – they are fantastic served over toast or alongside eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

This recipe makes a perfect amount for a family meal with some leftovers, and they freeze beautifully, making them ideal for make-ahead meal planning. Pair a plate of these flavorful baked beans with a juicy smash burger, and you have a quintessential summer meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Another serving dish of saucy and smoky baked beans, emphasizing the smoky and saucy nature of the dish

Pioneer Woman’s Style Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans Recipe

Favorite Baked Beans Recipe

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Our absolute favorite baked beans recipe, inspired by the hearty, flavorful style of Pioneer Woman! These beans are syrupy, smoky, and loaded with delicious flavors from BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and chipotle chili powder.

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Ingredients

2 slices bacon, diced
1 small sweet onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
¼ to ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 (22-ounce) cans baked beans (Bush’s Grillin’ Beans recommended)
2 slices bacon, for topping (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crisp and browned, rendering most of the fat.
Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar until well combined.
Add baked beans directly from the cans to the skillet and stir to incorporate all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chipotle powder to taste. If desired, top with additional bacon slices.
Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly thickened. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions: Cook beans in the skillet as directed. Let cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next day or when ready to serve.
Freezing Instructions: These baked beans freeze well. Allow to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Recipe Notes

Adapted from a recipe inspired by the Pioneer Woman.

Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Pioneer Technology Inspired

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Close-up of saucy baked beans in a skillet, showcasing the rich sauce and bean texture