Friends and family have been raving about my dad’s famous homemade BBQ baked beans for decades. Here’s the simple, reliable recipe featuring bacon, brown sugar, and his secret ingredient: ground mustard.
These Southern-style BBQ baked beans can be made in the oven, in a slow cooker, or on a smoker. They’re a classic side for smoked brisket, grilled burgers, or any backyard barbecue.
“I’ve made this many times now and it’s always a hit. Best baked beans ever, and so easy. Everyone that tries them loves them.”
– Lynn
Table of contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- How to make them in a Crock Pot
- How to make them on a smoker
- What to serve them with
- More delicious side dishes
If you’ve ever attended a backyard barbecue at my parents’ house in Oklahoma or at my home, there’s a high chance you’ve tasted my dad’s baked beans. After so many requests, I’m sharing the family recipe here. It’s straightforward—no fuss, just comforting Southern BBQ baked beans with a touch of smoky-sweet flavor.
The one unusual but delicious twist in this recipe is ground mustard. When cooked into the sauce, it adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and the savory notes from the bacon and BBQ sauce.
This recipe is versatile: bake it in the oven, keep it warm in a slow cooker for a party, or smoke it alongside your meats. The recipe below serves 4–6 people and scales easily for larger groups—make more than you expect, because these beans always go fast.
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients used in this BBQ baked beans recipe. I also note helpful substitutions and why each ingredient matters.
- Canned pork and beans (in tomato sauce) – the recipe uses two 15-ounce cans (30 ounces total). Use the beans and the tomato sauce in the cans—do not drain or rinse.
- Bacon – a single slice of uncooked bacon is traditional in this version. The family often bakes the bacon whole and removes it before serving, but you can also dice and cook it in the beans if you prefer.
- Brown sugar – adds sweetness and gives the beans a classic Southern baked-bean flavor.
- BBQ sauce – a basic, unflavored sauce is ideal so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. You can use your favorite brand; just remember that flavored sauces will change the final taste.
- Onion – diced sweet or yellow onion works well; it softens and sweetens as the beans bake.
- Ground mustard (dry mustard) – the recipe’s secret ingredient. It adds depth and a mild, tangy note when cooked into the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper – to taste; kosher salt and freshly ground pepper are recommended.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour two 15-ounce cans of pork and beans into a large, oven-safe baking dish or casserole dish.
- Add one slice of uncooked bacon, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, and 1/2 cup diced onion.
- Season with 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 90 minutes, stirring once or twice if you like.
- Remove the bacon slice before serving if you left it whole, and serve the beans with a slotted spoon.
How to make them in a Crock Pot
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. After cooking, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting so guests can serve themselves throughout a gathering. This method is ideal for parties and potlucks because it keeps the beans hot for hours without overcooking.
How to make them on a smoker
Place the combined ingredients in a smoker-safe pan—cast iron dutch oven or disposable aluminum works well. Set the smoker to about 225°F (107°C) and smoke the beans for roughly 2–3 hours. The smoke adds a subtle, delicious depth that pairs beautifully with smoked meats.
What to serve them with
These BBQ baked beans make a perfect side for nearly any smoked, grilled, or slow-cooked meat. Here are a few pairing ideas:
- Smoked meats: smoked ribs, turkey breast, pulled pork, or chicken thighs.
- Slow-cooked or pressure-cooked meats: slow cooker BBQ brisket or pulled pork.
- Grilled mains: tri-tip, BBQ chicken wings, or steaks.
- Burgers: pairs especially well with bacon or smash burgers.
More delicious side dishes
These sides complement the baked beans and round out any barbecue menu:
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Red, White & Blue Cheese Potato Salad
Bacon Tomato Avocado Pasta Salad
Crock Pot Creamed Corn
BBQ Baked Beans
6 servings
Ingredients
- 30 ounces pork and beans (2 x 15-ounce cans)
- 1 slice bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the pork and beans, bacon, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, diced onion, ground mustard, black pepper, and kosher salt in an oven-safe dish. Stir to mix well.
- Bake for 90 minutes, then remove from the oven. If you baked the bacon whole, remove it before serving. Serve with a slotted spoon.
Notes
- Bacon: Leaving the bacon whole and removing it after baking keeps the beans less greasy; dicing the bacon before baking will add bacon pieces throughout.
- Slow cooker: Add all ingredients to the crock pot and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Use the warm setting to keep the beans ready to serve through a party.
- Smoker: Use a smoker-safe pan and smoke at 225°F for 2–3 hours for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 6 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat for 5–10 minutes or in the microwave for 60–90 seconds.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 284 kcal (14%)
Carbohydrates: 57 g (19%)
Protein: 8 g (16%)
Fat: 3 g (5%)
Sodium: 1055 mg (44%)
Fiber: 8 g (32%)
Sugar: 26 g (29%)