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Easy Smoky Canned Bean BBQ Baked Beans Recipe for Perfect BBQ Sides

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A quick and easy smoky baked beans recipe using canned beans and a homemade BBQ-inspired sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or BBQ sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cans mixed beans (great northern beans, pinto beans, kidney beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or molasses
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce/tamari for vegetarian)
  • Hot sauce (optional, about 1 teaspoon)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter or olive oil (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a medium to large sauté pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, brown sugar (or molasses), apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until thick and glossy.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold drained canned beans with the sauce, being careful not to mash the beans.
  6. Season with salt, black pepper, and hot sauce if using. Adjust sweetness or tang by adding more brown sugar or vinegar as desired.
  7. Pour the mixture into a prepared 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until sauce thickens and edges bubble.
  9. Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumb topping over beans in the last 10 minutes of baking for crunch.
  10. Let the beans rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken and meld flavors.

Notes

Rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium and canning liquid flavor. Use smoked paprika for authentic smoky flavor. Avoid over-stirring beans to keep texture intact. Add a splash of water or broth if beans seem dry before baking. Flavors deepen if made a day ahead. For vegan version, substitute Worcestershire sauce with tamari or soy sauce and brown sugar with maple syrup. Optional breadcrumb topping adds crunch. Can add smoked sausage or bacon for a meatier version.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, BBQ side, smoky beans, canned beans recipe, quick baked beans, easy BBQ sides, vegetarian baked beans

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/easy-smoky-canned-bean-bbq-baked-beans-recipe-for-perfect-bbq-sides/