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Smoked Baked Beans

December 12, 2020 by Lyuba 7 Comments

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My smoked baked beans incredibly delicious and popular, all thanks to the BBQ sauce and the addition of bacon and sauteed vegetables. The BBQ sauce is sweet, tangy, and a little spicy with rich notes of molasses and bourbon. Sautéed bacon and vegetables add another special level of flavor, while the smoke infused to the whole side dish as a perfect finishing touch. I use three types of canned beans but you can adjust that if you wish.

starting to scoop the smoked baked beans with a spoon in a skillet

Baked beans is one of those staple side dishes that you can make for any gathering and everyone will want some. It’s even better when the side dish is so delicious that it outshines everything else. 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten complimented on this smoked beans recipe. It’s all about the amazing sauce the beans are smoked in and the addition of sautéed bacon and vegetables. The goal is to get bacon, peppers, and onions to get a nice, deep golden brown sear so those flavors get infused into the the whole dish.

This BBQ sauce is the one I use in many dishes, not just the beans. I use it on smoked meatballs, on smoked chicken wings, smoked ribs, and so much more. The deep and rich flavors of molasses and bourbon are incredibly flavorful and go very well with many dishes. 

bacon pieces cooking in a cast iron skillet
bacon, bell peppers, red onion, and jalapenos diced and cooking in a skillet

Quick Tips and Notes About Smoking Beans

What temperature for smoked baked beans?

Stick to the magic 225°F. If you’re using a charcoal or wood smoker, maintain the temperature no lower than 225°F and no higher than 240°F.

What wood should I use for smoking beans?

My personal favorites are cherry and apple because it’s mild and goes so well with notes of bacon, bourbon, and molasses without overwhelming them. 

How long to smoke beans?

Plan to smoke the beans for 2-3 hours. I usually throw them on along with meats that take about that long as well so it’s all done around the same time.

How much baked beans per person?

Depending on how many other side dishes and main dishes you are cooking, estimate about 1/2 cup to 1 cup per person. If there are several other option to eat, lean towards 1/2 cup per person, but if this is the main side dish, lean towards 1 cup per person. 

sautéed vegetables and bacon in a cast iron skillet
pouring bbq sauce into the skillet with mixed beans and vegetables

Ingredient Tips Before Cooking

Beans – I use a combination of canned pinto beans, navy beans, and black beans. You can use your favorite combination of beans of substitute one to two for your favorite ones. (I also included instructions below if you want to use dried beans.)

Jalapenos – you can adjust how spicy this side dish will be by choosing different jalapenos and discarding or leaving in the seeds. Older jalapenos are much spicier than younger ones. Older jalapenos will have dark, dry veins running along the skin. Younger jalapenos have smooth skin without any veins. 

If you want even more spice: substitute jalapenos with spicier chili peppers like habanero or serrano.

beans and vegetables mixed with bbq sauce in a skillet

Want To Make It From Scratch and Use Dry Beans?

First, I want to make sure and remind you about the texture difference between using dry beans and canned beans. Canned beans will be soft and smooth texture, while dried beans will have a little bite to them. Even soaked and cooked for a long time, it dry beans will have some texture still.

There are two extra steps that you need to do before smoking the beans: soak them and then simmer.

  • How much beans: use 1 lb. of dried beans because dry beans increase by a little more than double their weight and size when cooked.
  • Soak beans: rinse dried beans under cold water and place them into a pot. Cover with cold water, enough to cover with an extra inch of water over the beans. Let them soak for 12-24 hours. Drain and rinse again.
  • Simmer: Fill the pot with beans with cold water and stir in about a tablespoon of coarse salt. Bring the beans to a boil and then lower the heat to medium-low so it just gently simmers. Simmer for an hour, stirring a few times. Drain the beans but reserve some water!
  • IMPORTANT: reserve a couple of cups of simmer liquid! Dried beans soak up a lot of liquids so may dry out while smoking. You will need to check on them every hour and add some reserved simmer liquid.
top view of the skilled with smoked baked beans and a spoon

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? PLEASE leave a 🌟 star rating and a comment📝! I’d love it if you share what you like about them on Instagram, make sure to tag me @grillingsmokingliving and #grillingsmokingliving so I can see all the things you tried!

smoked beans in bbq sauce in a skillet with a wooden spoon

Smoked Baked Beans Recipe

5 from 2 votes
My smoked baked beans recipe features three types of canned beans, flavorful homemade BBQ sauce, sauteed bacon, and a medley of sauteed vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
CourseSide Dish
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15 minutes minutes
Cook Time3 hours hours
Total Time3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings8
Calories509kcal
AuthorLyuba

Ingredients

Bean Mixture

  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • 1/2 lb uncooked bacon
  • 1 red onion
  • 2 medium red bell peppers
  • 2 jalapeno peppers
  • 16 oz pinto beans drained
  • 16 oz black beans drained
  • 16 oz navy beans

BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients:

  • Pour the beans into a fine mash strainer and let them drain off while preparing bacon and vegetables.
  • Dice cold bacon and vegetables into small pieces. (It's easier to dice raw bacon when it's cold.)

Prepare the beans:

  • Preheat a cast iron skillet (or another pan that can go from stove-top to the smoker) over medium-high heat.
  • Add canola oil and bacon and sauté it until most of the fat is rendered.
  • Add diced onion, bell peppers, and jalapenos and cook until completely done. Don't' stir it too often to give the bottom a chance to get browned. That's where the flavor is!
  • Once vegetables are done, add drained beans and mix well.
  • Whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce and pour it into the skillet with the beans. Mix well.

Prepare the smoker:

  • Set up your smoker and get it to a steady 225°F. Place a water pan either on the grate below or next to it, depending on your smoker and your smoker set-up. If you’re using a charcoal or wood smoker, maintain the temperature no lower than 225°F and no higher than 240°F.

Smoke the beans:

  • Place the skillet with the beans onto the smoker and let it cook for 2-3 hours. 
  • Stir the beans once smoked and serve.

Notes

Storing: store leftover smoked beans in an air-tight food storage container, in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will be good for 4-5 days. 
Freezing: while you can definitely freeze these beans, there may be a slight texture difference once thawed. Make sure to cool beans to room temperature before freezing. Portion into one or several freezer-friendly zip-top bags, get all the air out and seal. Lay the bags on the cutting board and freeze. Once frozen, you can easily stack the bags. 
Thawing: Make sure to slow-thaw in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. 
Reheating: you can easily reheat individual portions in the microwave or heated larger amount in a sauce pot on stove top.

Nutrition

Calories: 509kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 572mg | Potassium: 1119mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 1484IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 5mg

More Great Sides Off The Smoker

  • Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
  • Smoked Baked Potatoes
  • Smoked Twice Baked Potato
  • Smoked Scalloped Potatoes
  • Smoked Corn on the Cob
  • Smoked Sweet Potatoes
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Filed Under: Sides

Comments

  1. Josiah says

    February 19, 2022 at 1:47 am

    These sound amazing! Should the beans be dry and pre soaked, or precooked?

    Reply
    • Lyuba says

      April 9, 2022 at 2:11 pm

      Hi Josiah! Actually they are canned beans. You can definitely work with pre-soaked, but it will take hours to get them tender 🙂

      Reply
      • Tim says

        August 28, 2024 at 10:52 pm

        This is my go to recipe for smoked baked beans. The prep time is more like 30 minutes. I try to use veggies from the garden when I can, sometimes switching out jalapenos for fire roasted poblanos. I also add a bit of cumin and a handful of cilantro. it’s almost as good if you drank all your bourbon and leave it out.😀

        Reply
        • LyubaB says

          December 27, 2024 at 9:10 pm

          I am so glad you liked the recipe, Tim!

          Reply
  2. Gary prell says

    June 18, 2022 at 3:10 am

    5 stars
    I’ve made these several times and they’ve been a big hit ! People that said they won’t eat baked Beans said I soon can them and sell them ! Great recipe !!

    Reply
    • Lyuba says

      August 11, 2022 at 6:00 pm

      Thank you so much, Gary. I’m happy that your family and friends enjoy it so much 🙂

      Reply
  3. Tim says

    April 1, 2023 at 9:42 pm

    5 stars
    This is my go to recipe for Baked beans. everyone that tries them loves them. My family asked for them every time I do brisket or ribs on the smoker. I always fill my 20qt Dutch oven since you always want left overs and they are great cold. they also freeze well

    Reply
5 from 2 votes

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Let's get grilling!

Welcome, everyone! I’m Lyuba Brooke, come in, grab a beer, and head to the backyard. Here, I love to grill, barbecue, and share everything I make. You will find a ton of recipes for grilling, smoking, and the sauces to dip it in.

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