Summer is officially here, and that means it’s time for barbecues, cookouts, and all things delicious and smoky! And what’s a summer gathering without a generous serving of baked beans? If you’re on the hunt for the perfect baked beans recipe that will impress your guests and become a family favorite, look no further. We’ve taken inspiration from classic recipes and added our own twist to create these incredibly flavorful, smoky, and saucy baked beans. You might even say they are inspired by Pioneer Woman Recipes Baked Beans in their hearty, home-style goodness!
Even if you’re just making them for a weeknight dinner, trust us, these beans are worth it. You deserve good beans!
Close-up of bacon, peppers, and onions sautéing in a skillet, key ingredients for flavorful baked beans.
For those who might think baked beans are just… well, beans, prepare to have your mind changed. This isn’t your average can of beans warmed up. This recipe elevates canned baked beans to a whole new level of deliciousness. If you’ve been following our culinary journey, you might know that even we were once skeptical about baked beans. But times, and tastes, change!
Years ago, we discovered the magic of bourbon baked beans and it was a revelation. That experience transformed us into true baked bean enthusiasts. Now, we firmly believe that no summer barbecue, cookout, or casual meal is truly complete without a side of perfectly made baked beans. They are the quintessential summer side dish.
The Beauty of Semi-Homemade (and Why It’s Amazing)
While we adore a good from-scratch recipe, life gets busy. That’s why this recipe leans into the wonderful world of “semi-homemade.” For years, while still loving slow cooker bourbon baked beans, we’ve found ourselves reaching for this quicker, equally satisfying version, especially since family life got a bit more hectic.
Baked beans in a skillet, ready to go into the oven for that perfect bubbly finish.
Let’s be upfront: these are definitely semi-homemade. No pretending otherwise! But the ease of this recipe is a huge part of its charm.
Unlike recipes that start with dried beans and require hours of soaking and cooking, this one cleverly utilizes canned baked beans as a base. And honestly? It’s fantastic. We’ve become quite the baked bean connoisseurs in our kitchen, taste-testing various brands and styles. For this particular recipe, we consistently reach for Bush’s Grillin’ Beans. The Southern Pit BBQ and Bourbon Bacon flavors are our top picks – they add an incredible depth of flavor right from the start.
Of course, feel free to use your preferred brand of canned baked beans. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Consider our recommendations just a starting point in your baked bean adventure!
The result of this semi-homemade approach is a baked bean dish that is wonderfully thick and syrupy – in the best possible way. Don’t let “syrupy” make you think overly sweet. While there’s a touch of sweetness, it’s beautifully balanced by the savory notes from Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a hint of chipotle.
Flavor That Packs a Punch
Yes, flavor is key, and these baked beans are bursting with it. This recipe is adapted from the wonderful Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself! Her baked beans are legendary, but they make a huge batch. While perfect for large gatherings, we often need a slightly smaller, more manageable quantity for family meals or smaller potlucks.
A serving dish filled with saucy, smoky baked beans, showcasing the rich color and texture.
Many people have their own baked bean traditions. Some even include hot dogs! (No judgment, but not our preference in these beans). This recipe focuses on layering smoky and savory flavors to complement the sweetness of the beans, creating a truly irresistible side dish.
And speaking of baked bean love, remember that phase of topping poached eggs or toast with baked beans? Don’t knock it till you try it! It’s surprisingly delicious and worth revisiting.
But back to the recipe at hand. This makes a perfect, “just right” amount of baked beans. It’s ideal for a family dinner, with enough for leftovers and perhaps a bit to freeze for future cravings (if you don’t share them all!).
Imagine a plate piled high with these saucy, smoky baked beans alongside a juicy smash burger. Summer perfection!
Another enticing shot of saucy, smoky baked beans, highlighting their delicious appearance.
Pioneer Woman Inspired Baked Beans Recipe
Favorite Smoky Baked Beans
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 flavors of pioneer cooking! Syrupy, smoky, and packed with BBQ sauce, Dijon, smoked paprika, and chipotle – a truly delightful side dish.
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4.99 from 3712 votes
Ingredients
- 2 slices bacon, diced
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color works!)
- 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 (Bush’s Grillin’ Beans recommended)
- 2 slices bacon, for topping (optional, but highly encouraged!)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works perfectly) over medium-low heat, cook the diced bacon 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 another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Add the canned baked beans directly from the cans to the skillet. Stir to incorporate them into the sauce mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – add more salt, pepper, or chipotle for extra heat. If desired, arrange a few strips of bacon on top of the beans at this point.
- Transfer the skillet (or pour the beans into an oven-safe dish) to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the beans in the skillet, let them cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next day or when ready to serve.
- Freezing Instructions: These baked beans freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Recipe Notes
Adapted from a Pioneer Woman recipe. The Pioneer Woman Baked Beans
Course: Side Dish, Main Course (with additions like sausage or pulled pork)
Cuisine: American
Author: Pioneer Technology (inspired by How Sweet Eats)
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Close-up, saucy shot of baked beans, emphasizing the rich, smoky sauce.
Oh so saucy, smoky, and utterly delicious! Perfect for your next barbecue or summer gathering.
Posted in: Summer Recipes, Side Dish Recipes, BBQ & Grilling
