Best Easy BBQ Baked Beans Recipe

Sweet, smoky BBQ baked beans simmered with bacon and molasses are a high protein, family-favorite cookout side. This rich, flavorful dish is the perfect companion to any smoked meat.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 265 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • canned navy beans 4 cups
  • thick-cut bacon 6 slices
  • yellow onion 1 cup
  • green bell pepper 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • BBQ sauce 1 cup
  • molasses 3 tbsp
  • brown sugar 2 tbsp
  • yellow mustard 1 tbsp
  • apple cider vinegar 2 tsp
  • smoked paprika 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 36 g 54%
Protein 11 g 16%
Fat 7 g 30%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until deeply golden and crisp, then remove bacon and drain excess fat, leaving 2 tbsp in the skillet.

  2. 2

    Add onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and sauté over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, until soft and translucent; stir frequently to prevent burning.

  3. 3

    In a mixing bowl, combine cooked vegetables, navy beans, BBQ sauce, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

  4. 4

    Transfer mixture to a 2-quart baking dish; crumble bacon and sprinkle over the top, pressing gently into the beans.

  5. 5

    Bake uncovered at 350°F for 60 minutes; for thick and caramelized beans, stir halfway and let sit for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in Best Easy BBQ Baked Beans Recipe?
The key ingredient is canned navy beans, which provide the hearty base and protein for the dish. They're complemented by bacon for smoky richness and BBQ sauce for the signature sweet-savory flavor.
Q. Which step is most important for achieving the classic BBQ baked bean taste?
Combining the beans with molasses, BBQ sauce, and smoked paprika in step 3 ensures the dish absorbs smoky sweetness. Baking uncovered in step 5 caramelizes the flavors and thickens the beans for authentic taste.
Q. How do I prevent my baked beans from turning out too dry or mushy?
Stirring halfway through the baking process lets you monitor moisture and texture. When finished, letting the beans rest for 15 minutes before serving helps stabilize the consistency and prevents overcooking.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving provides 265 kcal, with 11g protein and 36g carbohydrate. The protein-to-carb caloric ratio is about 16% protein to 54% carbs, making it a substantial, high-protein side dish.
Q. Is Best Easy BBQ Baked Beans Recipe suitable for diabetic-friendly meal planning?
Yes, with 36g carbs per serving and brown sugar used in modest amounts, this recipe fits many diabetic-friendly guidelines, especially when paired with lean meat and balanced portions.
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