BBQ Baked Beans are a rich, smoky barbecue side dish made with tender beans, crispy bacon, and a sweet-tangy BBQ sauce. This easy baked beans recipe is perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and pairing with classic barbecue favorites like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
Add onion to bacon drippings and sauté 4–5 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add beans, cooked bacon, BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, vinegar, and spices.
Stir well to combine.
Transfer to a baking dish or keep in oven-safe skillet.
Bake uncovered 45–60 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Beans should be thick, glossy, and bubbling.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
Smoked brisket or pulled pork
BBQ ribs or chicken
Burgers and sausages
Cornbread or Texas toast
Coleslaw and potato salad
Beer: Amber ale, brown ale, or lager
Wine: Zinfandel or Syrah
Non-alcoholic: Sweet tea, cola, or lemonade
Bacon grease is flavor—don’t drain it all.
Beans thicken as they cool; don’t overbake.
For extra smoke flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
Make ahead friendly—flavors improve overnight.
Great cooked on a grill or smoker in a cast-iron skillet at 300–325°F.
8 servings