Quick Barbecued Beans (Printable)
Smoky, tangy beans simmered in rich barbecue sauce. A perfect side for grilling season or cozy weeknight meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beans
01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 clove garlic, minced
→ Sauce
04 - 1 cup ketchup
05 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
08 - 2 tablespoons molasses or honey
09 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Fat
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
# How-to Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add the drained and rinsed beans to the saucepan, stirring gently to coat them in the aromatics.
03 - Pour in the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, molasses or honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
04 - Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Remove the lid and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes if a thicker sauce consistency is desired.
06 - Taste the beans and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot as a side dish.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- They taste like they spent all day in a smoker but only need 35 minutes on your stovetop.
- Pantry staples come together into something that rivals any canned or restaurant baked bean you have ever tried.
02 -
- Do not skip draining and rinsing the canned beans or the sauce will taste tinny and the texture turns cloudy.
- The beans thicken considerably as they cool, so if you are making them ahead, add a splash of water when reheating.
03 -
- Let the beans sit off the heat for 5 minutes before serving because the sauce continues to thicken and the flavor concentrates in that short rest.
- Use the vegan Worcestershire and swap honey for maple syrup if you want the whole pot to be completely plant based without losing any depth.