This is simply the best baked beans recipe! This side dish comes together easily with canned beans, peppers, onions, molasses, brown sugar, a few dashes of liquid smoke and some additional pantry staples. Wait until you try these incredible Smokey Baked Beans.
A simple dish that has been around for decades and is still just as loved today as it was back then. It’s also one of those dishes that is so versatile-you can tailor it to your own tastes by making a vegetarian version or you can make it in the oven instead of on the stove so you don’t have to worry about standing over a pot.
If you love a good beans recipe like I do, be sure to also check out my Ultimate BBQ Cowboy Beans recipe and Maple-Apple Baked Beans recipe – a fall tailgating favorite.
Baked beans make a great addition to a simple weeknight dinner or used as a side dish for a picnic. There are so many things that you can do with this recipe.
One way people enjoy these beans is by adding them alongside recipes like chili, cornbread, chicken or burgers. There are many different variations of this dish but there’s nothing quite like some good old fashioned smokey Baked Beans recipe!
What Kind of Beans are Baked Beans?
Typically canned baked beans are made using white beans. Though in some cases you can find a version that uses red beans or other types of beans. In any case it’s a good idea to look at the label, if you do use another type of bean, to make sure that you get one that is precooked.
How Long Will Baked Beans Last in the Fridge?
Baked beans can last for three days in your fridge before they go bad. Be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator so that they do not spoil sooner.
How Long Do Baked Beans last in the Freezer?
You can easily freeze beans. It is a great way to keep them on hand. I like to make a large batch and then take half and freeze them for later. Place the cooled beans in a freezer bag or an airtight container. The beans will last for up to 60 days in the freezer.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Baked beans are a great meal to have anytime of the day. It’s also one of those dishes that are so versatile-you can tailor it to your own tastes by making a vegetarian version or you can make it in the oven instead of on the stove so you don’t have to worry about standing over a pot. To make this a vegetarian version, make sure you are buying a vegetarian canned beans as your base. You will also want to use a vegetarian bacon substitute. You can get a very similar flavor from this, although nothing is quite like the real thing.
If you are looking for a flavorful, hearty meal that will stick to your ribs, baked beans are the way to go!
The Best Smokey Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 48 ounces baked beans
- 8 strips bacon cut into pieces
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Fry the bacon and set aside to drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the bacon grease and saute 3-5 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Set aside ⅓ of the cooked bacon. Mix remaining ingredients together, stirring well to combine. Spoon beans into a 2 quart casserole or baking dish.
- Sprinkle the reserved bacon over the beans.
- Bake covered for 45 minutes. Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until bubbly.
Notes
- You can make this in a slow cooker but you’ll have to cook the bacon, onions, and peppers in the pan first regardless. Doing it in a slow cooker will enhance the flavor of the chili overall but will take several hours. If you have the time, I recommend it, but doing it in a pan on the stove is delicious, too!
Nutrition
Had to make baked beans for a birthday party and this was sooo simple to make but I did put it in my slow cooker. Let me tell you it was a big hit and no left overs. AWESOME!!!
LOVE it! Thanks a lot Debra
At what cooking temp in slow cooker ? High or low ?
Hi Pam – I’d go with the low setting, usually about 6 to 8 hours on low works well.