Description
This Ultimate Cookout Baked Beans recipe combines smoky flavors with hearty proteins like ground beef, andouille sausage, and bacon, all simmered together with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce for a rich, caramelized finish. Perfect for summer barbecues or family gatherings, these baked beans deliver a crowd-pleasing side dish with layers of savory depth and a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Meat and Proteins
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb bacon, cooked and chopped
Vegetables
- 1-2 sweet onions, diced
- 2 green peppers, diced
Beans and Sauces
- 56 oz cans baked beans
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 3 tbsp BBQ rub
Instructions
- Preheat smoker or oven: Preheat your smoker or oven to 350°F, setting up for indirect heat if using a smoker. This setup helps the beans cook evenly and infuses a subtle smoky flavor.
- Cook ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Remove the beef from the skillet but leave the rendered fat behind for additional flavor.
- Brown andouille sausage: Add the sliced andouille sausage to the same skillet with leftover beef fat. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the sausage is lightly browned and slightly crisp on the edges, enhancing the savory depth of the dish.
- Combine ingredients: In a large cast iron skillet or foil pan, mix together the baked beans, cooked ground beef, browned andouille sausage, chopped bacon, diced onions, and green peppers until evenly distributed.
- Add sauces and seasoning: Pour in the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, hot sauce, and BBQ rub. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly, blending the rich flavors.
- Cook the beans: Place the pan in the preheated smoker or oven uncovered. Cook for about 2 hours, stirring every 30–40 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Continue until the beans thicken and develop a rich, caramelized finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a deeper smoky flavor, use a smoker rather than an oven, maintaining indirect heat.
- Feel free to adjust the hot sauce quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Stirring regularly while baking prevents the beans from sticking and helps achieve a gooey, caramelized texture.
- Leftover baked beans can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor boost.
