Baked beans are a quintessential side dish for any summer barbecue, cookout, or potluck. There’s something undeniably comforting and crowd-pleasing about a dish of sweet, smoky, and saucy beans alongside grilled favorites. If you’re on the hunt for a baked beans recipe that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make, look no further than these Pioneer Woman-inspired brown beans. Taking cues from Ree Drummond’s renowned cooking style, this recipe elevates canned baked beans to a whole new level of deliciousness with a few simple additions and techniques.
bacon, peppers and onions with dijon, brown sugar and BBQ sauce
What makes these Pioneer Woman Brown Beans stand out? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a smoky depth that comes from bacon, smoked paprika, and a touch of chipotle chili powder. Unlike traditional baked beans that can be overly sweet or bland, this recipe boasts a complex flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The secret lies in starting with good quality canned baked beans – a shortcut that saves time without sacrificing taste – and then building layers of flavor with fresh ingredients and pantry staples.
For those who appreciate the rich, homemade taste but are short on time, this recipe is a game-changer. It bridges the gap between convenience and scratch cooking, offering a semi-homemade approach that’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. You get that slow-cooked, deep flavor in a fraction of the time.
baked beans ready for the oven
The beauty of these Pioneer Woman brown beans also lies in their versatility. They pair perfectly with classic BBQ fare like ribs, pulled pork, and burgers. But they’re equally delicious alongside grilled chicken, sausages, or even as a hearty vegetarian main dish when served with cornbread or a fresh salad. Whether you’re hosting a large crowd or simply cooking for your family, this recipe is easily scalable and always a hit.
The recipe draws inspiration from classic baked bean flavors, but with a modern twist. The inclusion of Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth, while apple cider vinegar brightens the overall taste and cuts through the sweetness. The combination of brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and ketchup creates that signature saucy and syrupy texture that everyone loves in baked beans.
Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans
If you’re ready to ditch the boring side dishes and embrace a baked bean recipe that’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make, then you’ve come to the right place. These Pioneer Woman brown beans are destined to become a new staple in your summer cooking repertoire. Get ready for rave reviews and empty bowls!
Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans
Pioneer Woman Brown Beans Recipe
Favorite Baked Beans
Yield: 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 Pioneer Woman’s style! These brown beans are syrupy, smoky, and loaded with flavors of BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and chipotle. A perfect side dish for any BBQ or summer gathering.
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4.99 from 3712 votes
Ingredients
- 2 slices bacon, diced
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, 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 Southern Pit BBQ or Bourbon Bacon)
- 2 slices bacon, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great), cook diced bacon over medium-low heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook in bacon fat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Mix well to combine.
- Add canned baked beans directly to the skillet and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chipotle powder to your liking. Top with reserved cooked bacon or fresh bacon slices if desired.
- Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until beans are bubbly and sauce has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Make Ahead: Baked beans can be prepared in the skillet ahead of time, cooled to room temperature, covered, and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Freezing: These baked beans freeze well. Allow to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
- Bean Variations: While this recipe is fantastic with classic brown sugar baked beans, feel free to experiment with different varieties of canned baked beans, such as vegetarian or maple-flavored beans, to customize the flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these Pioneer Woman brown beans as a side dish with burgers, hot dogs, ribs, pulled pork, grilled chicken, or alongside cornbread and coleslaw for a complete BBQ feast.
Recipe adapted from: The Pioneer Woman Baked Beans
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Pioneer Technology Content Team
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Saucy, Smoky Baked Beans
Oh so saucy, these Pioneer Woman style beans are sure to be a hit!
