Texas-Style Baked Beans

Smoky, sweet, and packed with bold flavors, these Texas-style baked beans are the ultimate BBQ side dish. Made with crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, and a rich barbecue sauce blend, this dish is the perfect complement to grilled meats or a hearty standalone favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smoky & Sweet – A rich combination of barbecue sauce, molasses, and smoked paprika.
• Bacon-Loaded – Crispy bacon adds a savory depth of flavor.
• Thick & Hearty – Baked until bubbling and caramelized.
• Perfect for BBQs – A must-have side dish for cookouts and gatherings.
• Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients with bold Texas-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cans (28 oz each) baked beans, drained
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven – Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Bacon – In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
3. Sauté Vegetables – In the same skillet, sauté onion, red bell pepper, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Mix Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine baked beans, sautéed vegetables, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir well.
5. Bake – Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, top with cooked bacon, and bake for 45-50 minutes until thick and bubbling.
6. Serve & Enjoy – Let cool slightly before serving. Perfect alongside grilled meats or as a hearty standalone dish!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving

Variations

• Extra Smoky Flavor – Add ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke or use smoked bacon.
• Spicy Kick – Increase cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
• Meaty Version – Stir in crumbled sausage or ground beef for extra heartiness.
• Slow Cooker Option – Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
• Vegetarian Alternative – Omit bacon and use smoked paprika for a similar flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating – Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
• Freezing – Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes! Cook 3 cups of dried beans until tender before using in the recipe.

What’s the best type of barbecue sauce to use?

A smoky, slightly sweet barbecue sauce works best for Texas-style baked beans.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and bake the beans, then refrigerate. Reheat in the oven before serving.

How do I make this dish less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar and molasses or choose a less sweet barbecue sauce.

Can I cook these beans on the stovetop?

Yes! Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

What meats pair well with these baked beans?

Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, grilled chicken, and smoked sausage are excellent options.

Can I add bell peppers of different colors?

Yes! Yellow or green bell peppers work just as well for added color and flavor.

Are these beans gluten-free?

Most ingredients are gluten-free, but check your barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce labels to be sure.

Can I make this recipe without an oven?

Yes! A slow cooker or stovetop simmering method works just as well.

Why do I need to drain the canned beans?

Draining helps prevent excess liquid, creating a thicker, more flavorful baked bean dish.

Conclusion

Texas-Style Baked Beans are a smoky, sweet, and hearty side dish that’s perfect for BBQs and gatherings. Loaded with bacon, bold seasonings, and a rich sauce, these beans pair beautifully with grilled meats or stand alone as a flavorful dish. Whether baked in the oven or prepared in a slow cooker, this recipe will be a guaranteed hit at your next cookout!