Name: Easy BBQ Baked Beans With Crispy Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 28 oz. can Original Baked Beans (drained); 16 oz. can Butter Beans (drained); 15.5 oz. can Light Red Kidney Beans (drained); 1 medium white Onion (sliced); 1 cup Brown Sugar; 1 teaspoon Mustard; ⅛ cup BBQ Sauce (my homemade BBQ sauce is the best); ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder; ½ teaspoon Onion Powder; Salt and Pepper (to taste); 3 slices Bacon (fried and crumbled)

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If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to complement your summer BBQs, look no further than these BBQ Baked Beans! Whether you’re grilling burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork, these beans are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

A foil tray filled with baked beans, bacon pieces, and mixed beans, with a black serving spoon resting inside. The tray sits on newspaper pages.

They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. I can practically hear my teens asking for seconds as these beans simmer in the oven, filling the air with that smoky, savory scent that’s simply irresistible.

Baked beans should be a staple at every family barbecue. Over the years, I’ve perfected my version of this beloved dish with a few twists.

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

A white plate with baked beans, kidney beans, and onions, served with green beans and a breaded patty, sits on a wooden board over printed paper.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that simplicity is key, especially when it comes to the best baked beans. This recipe combines classic canned beans with a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Plus, the crispy bacon on top? It’s the best part!

The beans cook to perfection in just 30 minutes, and with just a few simple steps, you’ve got a delicious side dish that will elevate your backyard BBQ to new heights.

A foil tray filled with baked beans, sliced sausages, and crispy bacon pieces sits on a wooden board covered with newspaper print.

I love making these BBQ Baked Beans for our backyard cookouts and my teens can’t get enough of them. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special Labor Day gathering, these beans are a must-have on the table.

Be sure to check out these other sides that are perfect for your next BBQ: grilled corn, Greek orzo salad, kale Caesar salad or cucumber salad.

You’ll need an 8×8 aluminum tray – its the perfect size for baking your beans and allowing them to cook evenly.

Ingredients

Original Baked Beans (drained) – these beans are the hearty base of the dish and bring the right amount of sweetness and texture.
Butter Beans (drained) – these creamy beans add richness and complement the other beans perfectly.
Light Red Kidney Beans (drained) – kidney beans give the dish an extra depth of flavor and a nice pop of color.
White Onion (sliced) – onion adds a savory sweetness and tender texture after baking.
Brown Sugar – this secret ingredient gives the beans that perfect balance of sweetness.
Mustard – mustard adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Homemade BBQ Sauce – this is the star of the show, bringing that smoky, tangy flavor to the beans.
Garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper.
Bacon (fried and crumbled) – bacon is the final game-changer in this recipe, adding that crispy, salty goodness on top.

Instructions

1. Start by adding your beans, onion slices, mustard, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to your tray.

A foil tray filled with baked beans, kidney beans, lima beans, mustard, and sliced raw onions sits on newspaper with a red and white checkered cloth in the background.

2. Mix until very well combined. If you want to mix in a bowl first and then transfer to the tray, that’s totally fine too.

3. Bake or place on the grill at 375 degrees until the beans become thick and the onions are tender. This should take about 20 to 30 minutes.

A square aluminum tray filled with baked beans topped with crispy bacon pieces and onions, placed on newspaper and a wooden board, with a black serving spoon nearby.

4. Once the beans are done, top them with crumbled bacon for that crispy, savory finish.

5. Serve and enjoy! These will be your new favorite grilling side!

A plate with baked beans mixed with onions and bacon, cooked green beans, and a slice of cornbread, all served on a white dish.

Tips & Tricks

Adding bacon at the end gives the beans that extra salty, crispy bite. It’s the perfect contrast to the creamy beans.
You can prep the beans ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This saves you time on the day of your BBQ.
If you like a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the mix. The BBQ sauce provides enough tanginess, but a little kick can take it to the next level.
For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke or some balsamic vinegar. If you’re cooking on the grill, a slow cooker or dutch oven will give the beans that deep, smoky pit-style BBQ flavor.

A close-up of a foil baking tray filled with a casserole topped with crispy bacon pieces and sliced potatoes, set on a table covered with newspaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these beans in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can easily transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Just add the crumbled bacon right before serving.

What type of BBQ sauce should I use?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce! We love a good smoky, tangy sauce for this recipe liek our classic homemade BBQ sauce, but you can go for a sweeter variety or even a spicy one depending on your taste.

Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to mix and match different beans like pinto beans, navy beans, or small red beans. The combination of different beans adds variety and texture to the dish.

Can I store leftovers?

Yes, these beans store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat.

Can I add ground beef?

For a heartier version, you can add cooked ground beef to the beans while baking. This will make the dish more substantial, perfect for a one-pot meal.

A close-up of a black spoon scooping a baked bean casserole with onions and bacon from a foil tray, resting on a wooden cutting board.

These Bar-B-Cue Baked Beans are everything you could want in a side dish—smoky, tangy, sweet, and savory. They pair perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, or even just a simple salad.

Whether it’s for a casual weeknight BBQ or a big holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, make a batch of these beans, and become the backyard BBQ hero you were meant to be.

With the perfect combination of barbecue beans, bacon, and smoky flavor, these are destined to become one of your family’s favorite recipes for all your summer gatherings. Happy grilling!

A foil tray filled with barbecued baked beans, topped with bacon, sits on a wooden board. Text on the image reads bar-b-que BAKED BEANS and homemadeheather.com.

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