Delicious Backyard BBQ Beans
Delicious Backyard BBQ Beans
Smoky, sweet, savory, and made to steal the show
These Delicious Backyard BBQ Beans are the kind of side dish that quietly becomes the main attraction. Thick, rich, and slow-simmered, they balance sweetness, smoke, and savory depth in every spoonful. They’re perfect next to grilled chicken, ribs, or beer can chicken—but don’t be surprised if people come back for seconds before touching anything else.
This is a no-shortcuts bean recipe. It’s bold, comforting, and built to taste even better as it sits.
Ingredients
2 cans (28 oz total) baked beans
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Flavor
½ cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for warmth)
How to Make Delicious Backyard BBQ Beans
1. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or cast-iron pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until just crisp. Remove excess grease, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons in the pan.
2. Build the Base
Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and cook until soft and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Beans
Stir in the baked beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Mix gently so the beans stay whole.
4. Add the Flavor
Pour in BBQ sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Simmer Low and Slow
Reduce heat to low and let the beans simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick, glossy, and deeply flavorful.
(For extra depth, transfer to a smoker or grill over indirect heat for 45–60 minutes.)
Why These Beans Work
Sweet without being sugary
Smoky without overpowering
Thick, rich texture that holds up on a plate
They’re even better the next day, making them perfect for cookouts, meal prep, or leftovers piled onto toast or baked potatoes.
