Baked Beans Recipe that technically won best side dish, even if I was disqualified for helping. Loaded with bacon, spices, and the reliable touch of sweetness.
Author’s Notes
The Best Side Dish That Didn’t Count
Every year, the men in our neighborhood (and a few nearby ones) host a big BBQ cook-off. They sign up for meats, sides, and desserts, then gather to taste everything and vote for their favorites. The winners get bragging rights…and a bronzed pig trophy that gets passed from house to house.
Last year, this baked beans recipe technically won best side until they were disqualified because I made them for my husband. No girls allowed in the competition, ha!
So here they are: my winning-but-not-really-winning baked beans. Even if we don’t have the bronzed pig to prove it.
Baked Beans Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tips |
|---|---|
| Bacon | Cook until crispy so it holds up in the sauce |
| Navy and pinto beans | Rinse well to remove excess salt and improve flavor |
| Tomato paste | Let it cook a few minutes to deepen flavor |
| Brown sugar | Pack lightly so it doesn’t make the beans too sweet |
| Apple cider vinegar | Adds balance so the beans don’t taste flat |
| Worcestershire | A little goes a long way, don’t overdo it |
| Ketchup | Use a good one, it makes a big difference in flavor |
Featured Comment
Wonderful recipe-I give it a 10!
– Mary
Reader’s Notes & Tips
My Top Tips For Success
- Don’t skip spices: Mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper are a must.
- Simmer low and slow: Gives the baked beans recipe time to soak up flavor and get super tender.
- Adjust texture: Add broth if too thick or simmer longer if too thin.
- Taste and tweak: Adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
Quick Tip
Baked beans got their name from being baked, but we like them best slow-simmered on the stovetop. Want to bake them instead? Pour into a greased 9×13-inch dish and bake at 325°F for 55–65 minutes.
What to Serve With Baked Beans Recipe
- Grilled meats: Pair with burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, steak, or ribs.
- Sandwiches: Serve with slow cooker BBQ Pulled Pork or BBQ chicken sandwiches.
- Biscuits or Cornbread: reliable for soaking up the sauce.
- Other sides: Try it with creamy fruit salad, grilled corn, cowboy caviar, or macaroni salad.
Storage
- Store leftovers of this baked beans recipe in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove, in the oven, or microwave, stirring and adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Freeze once cooled in an airtight container up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat.
More BBQ Side Dish Favorites:
Salads
Macaroni Coleslaw Salad
Dinner
Teriyaki Chicken Salad
Salads
Potato Salad Recipe
