Print

Best Smoked Baked Beans

Best Smoked Baked Beans
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

The Best Smoked Baked Beans recipe infuses hearty navy beans with rich smoky flavor through a slow smoking process. Combined with smoked bacon, a sweet and tangy sauce featuring brown sugar, molasses, tomato paste, and a blend of spices, these beans are a perfect BBQ side dish. This recipe delivers a balance of sweet, savory, and smoky notes that complement grilled meats and crowd-pleasing cookouts. Simple pantry ingredients and easy preparation make it an ideal addition to any BBQ or family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Protein

  • 1 lb dried navy beans
  • 6 oz smoked bacon or smoked sausage, chopped

Aromatics

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste (about 1 tsp)
  • Black pepper, to taste (about ½ tsp)

Liquid

  • 4 to 5 cups water or broth (enough to just cover the beans)

Instructions

  1. Soak and Prepare the Beans: Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly and soak them in water overnight. This process speeds up cooking and results in tender, creamy beans that hold their shape without becoming mushy.
  2. Pre-cook the Bacon and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped smoked bacon until crispy, rendering out the fat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, then sauté until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Combine Beans and Sauce Ingredients: Drain the soaked beans and transfer them into a smoker-safe pot or Dutch oven. Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper along with the cooked bacon, onions, and garlic mixture.
  4. Add Liquid and Smoke: Pour in enough water or broth to just cover the beans. Place the pot in the smoker preheated to 225°F (107°C). Smoke the beans for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help the flavors meld together.
  5. Final Adjustments and Serve: After smoking, check the beans for tenderness and adjust seasoning with additional salt or sweetness as needed. Let the beans cool slightly, then serve warm as a delicious, smoky BBQ side dish.

Notes

  • Maintain a consistent smoker temperature of about 225°F for best results.
  • Soaking the beans overnight helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
  • Reserve and use bacon fat for sautéing aromatics to maximize flavor.
  • Stir the beans occasionally during smoking to prevent sticking and coat evenly with sauce.
  • Add molasses and brown sugar gradually to control sweetness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://deliceflash.com/best-smoked-baked-beans/