Pioneer Woman Baked Beans Recipe: The Ultimate Saucy & Smoky Side Dish

Okay, friends! Let’s dive headfirst into summer flavors with a dish that screams cookouts and sunshine: baked beans! And not just any baked beans – we’re talking about a saucy, smoky, utterly delicious version inspired by the queen of comfort food herself, the Pioneer Woman.

Because when it comes to crowd-pleasing recipes, Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, knows her stuff. And this baked beans recipe? It’s a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue, heading to a potluck, or simply craving some seriously good comfort food, these beans are about to become your new go-to side.

bacon, peppers and onions with dijon, brown sugar and BBQ sauce

If you’re anything like me, baked beans might have been something you only occasionally enjoyed. But trust me, this recipe is a game-changer. It takes the humble baked bean and elevates it to a whole new level of flavor. I was converted years ago by a bourbon-infused baked bean recipe, and since then, I’ve been on a mission to perfect the ultimate baked bean experience. And this, my friends, is it.

Why This Pioneer Woman Inspired Baked Beans Recipe is a Must-Try

While I adore a good slow-cooked, from-scratch baked bean, life gets busy, right? That’s where this semi-homemade version comes in, and honestly, it’s just as incredible, if not even more convenient for those weeknight cravings or last-minute gatherings.

baked beans ready for the oven

Don’t let the “semi-homemade” part fool you. We’re starting with canned baked beans, yes, but we’re doctoring them up with so much flavor, you’d never guess. And when it comes to canned baked beans, I’ve become a bit of a connoisseur. For this recipe, I consistently reach for Bush’s Grillin’ Beans. The Southern Pit BBQ or Bourbon Bacon flavors are particularly fantastic and add an extra layer of deliciousness right from the start. But honestly, any can of your favorite baked beans will work beautifully.

What sets these baked beans apart is the incredible sauce. It’s rich, thick, and perfectly balanced. It’s got a touch of sweetness, but it’s not cloying thanks to the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a hint of chipotle chili powder that add depth and complexity.

Flavor-Packed Ingredients for the Best Baked Beans

This recipe is all about layering flavors to create that irresistible smoky, saucy goodness. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bacon: Because everything is better with bacon, right? It adds a smoky richness that’s essential to baked beans.
Sweet Onion & Bell Pepper: These aromatics build a flavorful base and add a touch of sweetness and freshness.
Garlic: Garlic is a must for savory depth.
Smoked Paprika & Chipotle Chili Powder: These spices are the secret to that signature smoky flavor. The chipotle adds a subtle warmth without being overpowering.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and brighten the flavors.
BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Dijon Mustard & Brown Sugar: This powerhouse combination creates the classic baked bean sauce we all know and love, with a tangy, sweet, and savory profile.
Canned Baked Beans: The star of the show and the shortcut to deliciousness.

Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans

My mom still adds hot dogs to her baked beans, which is a classic, but for this version, I prefer to keep it focused on the smoky, savory flavors. However, feel free to customize them to your liking!

This recipe makes a perfect amount for a family dinner or a small gathering. We usually enjoy them, save some leftovers, and freeze any extra for future cravings. They are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with so many dishes.

Give me a plate of these alongside a juicy smash burger, and I’m one happy camper!

Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans

Pioneer Woman Inspired Baked Beans Recipe

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

Description: Our absolute favorite baked beans recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman! These beans are syrupy, smoky, and loaded with flavor from BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and chipotle. A perfect side dish for any barbecue or summer gathering.

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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 (adjust to your spice preference)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 (22 ounce) cans baked beans (such as Bush’s Grillin’ Beans)
2 slices bacon, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large, oven-safe skillet (if you don’t have one, you can transfer to an oven-safe dish later), cook diced bacon over medium-low heat until crispy and the fat is rendered.
Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 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. Mix until well combined and heated through.
Pour in the canned baked beans directly from the cans. Stir to combine everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – add more salt, pepper, or chipotle for extra heat. If desired, top with additional bacon slices.
Transfer the skillet (or pour beans into an oven-safe dish) to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and the sauce has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Tips and Notes:

Make-Ahead: These baked beans can be made ahead of time. Simply cook them in the skillet, let cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Freezing: Baked beans freeze beautifully! Store cooled beans in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle chili powder to control the heat. Start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste.
Serving Suggestions: These baked beans are fantastic with burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, grilled chicken, ribs, and more! They are the perfect side dish for any summer BBQ or potluck.

Recipe Inspiration: Adapted from The Pioneer Woman’s Best Baked Beans Ever

Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Pioneer-Technology (Inspired by How Sweet Eats & The Pioneer Woman)

Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans