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BBQ Baked Beans
Picnic BBQ Baked Beans are a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or backyard barbecues. This recipe elevates classic baked beans with layers of flavor from crisp bacon, sweet onions, barbecue sauce, and a medley of beans. Slow-baked for depth and richness, the blend of brown sugar, tomatoes, and garlic delivers the perfect sweet-and-savory balance. The mix of textures and colors from different beans also adds visual appeal and substance. It’s a comforting, nostalgic side dish that never goes out of style.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 slices bacon (cut in ½-inch pieces)
  • 1 yellow onion (large, chopped)
  • 3 garlic cloves (crushed or minced)
  • 15 oz fire-roasted tomatoes (1 can)
  • 8 oz tomato sauce (1 can)
  • ¾ cup barbecue sauce
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • 15 oz cannellini beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Cook Bacon

  • In a 3–4 quart saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
  • Transfer bacon to a small bowl and drain all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

  • Add chopped onion to the pan and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
  • Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 4: Simmer Sauce

  • Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar.
  • Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.

Step 5: Add Beans

  • Stir in cannellini, black, pinto, and kidney beans.
  • Cook for 4–5 minutes until beans are heated through.

Step 6: Combine & Bake

  • Stir in reserved cooked bacon.
  • Transfer mixture to a 2-quart baking dish.
  • Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25 minutes, or until the top is browned and sauce thickens.

Tips

  • Add diced jalapeño or chili flakes for a spicy variation.
  • Substitute smoked sausage for part of the bacon for a meatier dish.
  • Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for deeper sweetness.
  • Add 1 to 2 teaspoons mustard for a tangier flavor profile.
  • Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the sauce.
  • Use all one type of bean if preferred, though mixed beans give best texture.
  • Make ahead: assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
  • Cook longer for thicker, stickier beans; shorter for saucier results.
  • Add smoked paprika for enhanced BBQ smokiness.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 9gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 577mgPotassium: 367mgFiber: 7gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 323IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 76mgIron: 3mg
Keyword bacon and beans, baked beans, comfort food, hearty side, picnic recipe, potluck dish, summer bbq, vintage recipe
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