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When it comes to classic BBQ sides, there’s no denying that baked beans are a staple and all time favorite.
But why settle for plain old baked beans when you can elevate the flavor to new heights with a recipe for smoked BBQ beans? This dish is packed with rich, smoky flavor and the perfect complement to any BBQ main dish.
Here’s our favorite recipe for smoked BBQ beans – jump to the bottom for the recipe or read on for more background on this tasty dish!
What Goes In BBQ Beans?
First, let’s talk about the ingredients that make this recipe so irresistible. The base of the dish is pinto beans, which are a staple in Southern and Texan cuisine.
These beans are creamy and hearty, making them the perfect foundation for a flavorful sauce. To add depth and texture to the dish, we’ve included diced onion and bell pepper, as well as minced garlic.
Next, let’s talk about the sauce. This recipe calls for a combination of brown sugar, molasses, and BBQ sauce, which provides the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor. To add a smoky element to the dish, we’ve included smoked paprika and a small amount of liquid smoke (if you don’t have a smoker).
Additionally, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper are added for a touch of spice and depth. To finish off the sauce, we’ve included water, apple cider vinegar, and ketchup, which helps to thicken the sauce and bring all the flavors together.
How To Make The Beans
Now, let’s talk about the cooking process. The best way to make this recipe is in a large pot or Dutch oven, where you can combine the beans, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
Once that’s done, you can mix together the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl and then pour it over the beans and stir to combine. Then, bring the pot to a simmer over medium-low heat and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the beans are tender.
How To Add Smokey Flavor To Your BBQ Beans
While this recipe will feature smokey flavors as-is, you can add more! If you’re looking to add an even smokier flavor to your smoked BBQ beans, here are a handful of methods you can use to make it happen.
First, and most ideal, would be to place your dutch oven or cast iron pot on a smoker that has a fire going, so you can get some natural smoke flavor to impart into your beans.
If you don’t have a smoker or don’t have the time to build a fire in your smoker, you can also use a smoke gun combined with a lid or some plastic wrap over your pot.
Finally, you could add a drop of liquid smoke, if you wanted to and one of the first two methods isn’t feasible for you.
What Do These Beans Go With?
When it comes to pairing your smoked BBQ beans with other dishes, the options are endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Smoked BBQ ribs: These two dishes are a match made in heaven. The rich, smoky flavor of the ribs paired with the creamy, hearty texture of the beans is a winning combination.
- Pulled pork: Another classic BBQ pairing, pulled pork and smoked BBQ beans are the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Grilled chicken: If you’re looking for a lighter option, grilled chicken is a great choice. The smoky flavor of the beans complements the smoky flavor of the grilled chicken perfectly.
- Burgers: For a more casual option, serve your smoked BBQ beans as a topping for burgers. The beans add a delicious smoky flavor and a nice contrast to the juicy burger patty.
- Cornbread: Cornbread is another classic Southern dish that pairs perfectly with smoked BBQ beans. The sweet, buttery cornbread complements the smoky, savory beans perfectly.
Overall, this recipe for smoked BBQ beans is a must-try for any BBQ lover. The combination of tender pinto beans, smoky sauce, and savory vegetables make for a dish that is sure to become a new family favorite. So fire up the grill, invite some friends over, and enjoy a plate of delicious smoked BBQ beans!
Smoked BBQ Beans
Equipment
- 1 dutch oven
Ingredients
- 2 cans pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paproka
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the beans, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, molasses, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, pepper, water, apple cider vinegar, and ketchup.
- Pour the mixture over the beans and stir to combine.
- Bring the pot to a simmer over medium-low heat and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the beans are tender.
- For a smokier flavor, you can use handheld smoker or add a small amount of liquid smoke to the pot before simmering. You can also simmer on a smoker that has been brought up to temperature.
- Enjoy your smoked BBQ beans as a side dish or use it as a topping for your BBQ ribs or pulled pork.
