Smoked Baked Beans

Canned pork and beans get a smoky makeover in this irresistible recipe that's perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and beyond.

Prep Time15

Cook Time3

Total Time3 15

Course: Side Dish

Keyword: Football, smoked baked beans

Servings: servings

Calories: 832kcal

Author: Katie

Preheat the smoker. Set your smoker to 250°F (120°C) and use wood chips like hickory, mesquite, or applewood for a deep, smoky flavor.
Cook the bacon. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
Sauté the vegetables. Add the diced green and red bell peppers, onion, and garlic in the same skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and starting to caramelize.
Mix the beans and sauce. In a large bowl (or baking pan), combine the pork and beans, sautéed vegetables and bacon, ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until everything is well combined.
Transfer to a pan. Pour the bean mixture into a large cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, or aluminum baking pan that is safe for the smoker. Spread the mixture evenly.
Smoke the beans. Place the pan in the smoker and smoke uncovered for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring halfway through. The beans should thicken and noticeably darken.
Finish and serve. Once the beans are thick and bubbling, carefully remove them from the smoker. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes to cool slightly before serving.

I use a 9x9 square disposable baking pan (called a “poultry pan” at the grocery store”) and mix all the ingredients right inside.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness and heat by tweaking the amount of brown sugar and cayenne pepper.
For even more of a smoky flavor, you can add chopped smoked sausage or pulled pork along with the bacon.
If you don’t have a smoker, bake the beans in a 300°F oven for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally. To mimic the smoked flavor, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke.