BBQ Beans

BBQ Beans

  • Prep time: 15
  • Cook time: 6 hours
  • Yield: 8
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Ingredients
  • 1 pound dried pinto beans
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 8oz bacon, cut into 1/2-inch strips
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeno, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups stock
  • 1-1/2 cups ketchup
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp barbecue rub
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
Nutrition Facts
Serves 8

Description

BBQ beans, also known as baked beans, are a popular and flavorful side dish that complements many barbecue meals. There are various cooking methods for preparing BBQ beans, each offering a unique twist to the dish. Here are some common methods:

  1. Traditional Baking in the Oven:

    • Preparation: Soak dry beans overnight and then boil until partially cooked. Alternatively, use canned beans for a quicker version.
    • Cooking: Mix the beans with a combination of barbecue sauce, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, onions, and sometimes bacon or pork for added flavor. Place the mixture in a baking dish.
    • Baking: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven at a low temperature (around 325°F or 163°C) for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

  2. Slow Cooker or Crockpot Method:

    • Preparation: Soak dry beans or use canned beans.
    • Cooking: Combine beans with the desired sauce and seasonings in the slow cooker. Add any additional ingredients like onions, bacon, or meat.
    • Slow Cooking: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender, allowing the flavors to develop slowly.

  3. Smoking Method:

    • Preparation: Use pre-soaked dry beans or canned beans.
    • Cooking: Combine the beans with the barbecue sauce, molasses, brown sugar, and other flavorings. Add wood chips to your smoker for a smoky flavor.
    • Smoking: Place the beans in a heatproof container, and put it in the smoker alongside your main barbecue meats. Let the beans absorb the smoky flavors as they cook.

  4. Grilling in a Cast Iron Skillet:

    • Preparation: Soak dry beans or use canned beans.
    • Cooking: Mix beans with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, molasses, and other seasonings. Place the mixture in a cast iron skillet.
    • Grilling: Put the skillet on the grill and cook over indirect heat, stirring occasionally. The beans will pick up some smokiness from the grill.

  5. Stovetop Method:

    • Preparation: Soak dry beans overnight or use canned beans.
    • Cooking: Combine the beans with the sauce, seasonings, and any additional ingredients. Cook on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.

  6. Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker Method:

    • Preparation: Use dry beans or canned beans (no need to soak).
    • Cooking: Combine beans with sauce and seasonings in the Instant Pot. Add any additional ingredients.
    • Pressure Cooking: Cook on high pressure for a shorter time compared to traditional methods, allowing for a quick preparation of flavorful BBQ beans.

Experimenting with different cooking methods allows you to tailor BBQ beans to your taste preferences and the equipment you have available. Whether slow-cooked in the oven, smoked, grilled, or prepared in a pressure cooker, BBQ beans are a versatile and delicious side dish for various occasions.

Instructions

  • 1. In a large bowl combine 2 quarts water, salt and dried beans. Cover and let soak overnight at room temperature.
  • 2. Drain and rinse beans.
  • 3. Heat a large dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook bacon until crisp and fat has rendered. Transfer bacon to paper towel to drain.
  • 4. Add onion to remaining bacon fat and cook until softened and starting to brown, about 7 minutes.
  • 5. Add green pepper, jalapeno, garlic and continue cooking another minute.
  • 6. Stir in 3 cups water, stock, bacon, and beans. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour.
  • 7. Preheat oven to 300F.
  • 8. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, honey, molasses, mustard, vinegar, barbecue rub, and hot sauce. Cover and transfer to oven. Cook 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • 9. Remove cover and continue cooking 1 more hour.
  • 10. Remove from oven, let stand 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and serve.