Pioneer Woman Baked Beans: A Deliciously Easy & Smoky Recipe

Summer is here, and that means it’s officially baked beans season! Whether you’re planning a big backyard barbecue or just a cozy family dinner, baked beans are the quintessential side dish. And trust me, you deserve the good beans.

If you’re new here, you might not know that I wasn’t always a baked bean enthusiast. But years ago, I discovered bourbon baked beans, and it was a game-changer. Suddenly, I understood the magic of baked beans. Now, no summer cookout feels complete without them!

While I still adore those slow cooker bourbon baked beans, the recipe I’m sharing today has become my go-to over the past few years. Life gets busy, especially with kids, and sometimes we need incredible flavor without spending all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Inspired Baked Beans: bacon, bell peppers, onions, and seasonings like Dijon mustard and BBQ sauce

This recipe is definitely semi-homemade, leaning on the convenience of canned baked beans. But don’t let that fool you – the taste is anything but basic. In fact, I’ve become quite the baked bean connoisseur since developing this recipe, and I’m particular about the canned beans I use. For this recipe, Bush’s Grillin’ Beans are my absolute favorite, especially the Southern Pit BBQ or Bourbon Bacon flavors. They just add an extra layer of deliciousness!

Of course, you can use any canned baked beans you have on hand. Consider my recommendation just a little insider tip if you want to take these baked beans to the next level.

What I love most about this recipe is the thick, syrupy sauce it creates. It’s rich and flavorful without being overly sweet, thanks to the perfect balance of Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a hint of chipotle.

Inspired by the Pioneer Woman, Perfected for Ease

This recipe is adapted from Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman’s baked beans. Her recipe is fantastic, but it makes a huge batch – perfect for a crowd, but sometimes more than you need. Even when I’m bringing baked beans to a potluck, I often find myself with leftovers. Plus, not everyone in my family is as enthusiastic about baked beans as I am (crazy, right?).

Pioneer Woman Style Baked Beans ready to bake in a skillet before going into the oven

My version makes a more family-friendly amount, perfect for a side dish for around 6 people. We can enjoy it for dinner, have some leftovers, and maybe even freeze a bit for later. It’s just the right quantity.

And while some folks still add hot dogs to their baked beans (no judgment if that’s your thing!), I prefer to keep mine classic and focused on the smoky, saucy bean flavor.

By the way, if you’ve followed my blog for a while, you might remember my baked bean obsession from years ago when I loved putting them on toast with poached or fried eggs. Seriously delicious! I might have to revisit that soon.

But back to these amazing baked beans. They are seriously the perfect side dish. Give me a plate of these with a smash burger, and I’m one happy person!

Delicious and Saucy Smoky Baked Beans, a Pioneer Woman inspired recipe, served hot

Baked Beans Recipe (Pioneer Woman Inspired)

Favorite Baked Beans (Inspired by Pioneer Woman)

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

Our absolute favorite baked beans recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman! These beans are syrupy, smoky, and packed with flavor from BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and chipotle. Simply delicious!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

4.99 from 3712 votes

Leave a Review »

Ingredients

2 slices bacon, diced
1 small sweet onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 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 (I love Bush’s Grillin’ Beans for this recipe)
2 slices bacon, for topping (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy and the fat is rendered.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until fragrant.
Stir in the apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Pour in the canned baked beans directly from the cans. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chipotle powder to your preference. If desired, top with additional bacon slices at this point.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the baked beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened into a syrupy consistency.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Recipe Notes

Adapted from the Pioneer Woman

Make-Ahead Instructions: Prepare the baked beans in the skillet as directed, then let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate. Bake the next day (or within 2-3 days) until heated through and bubbly.

Freezing Instructions: Allow the cooked baked beans to cool completely. Transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Course: Side Dish, Main Course (with additions)
Cuisine: American
Author: How Sweet Eats

Instagram

Did you make this Pioneer Woman Baked Beans recipe?

Be sure to follow @howsweeteats on Instagram and tag #howsweeteats. You can also share a photo of your creation on our Facebook page. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Close-up of Smoky Baked Beans, a flavorful side dish recipe inspired by Pioneer Woman