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Baked beans are a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. This southern-style side dish is a staple at summer barbecues, potlucks, and family dinners.

This recipe is a favorite for its sweet and savory flavors, featuring bacon, pinto beans, brown sugar, molasses, barbecue sauce, peppers, spices, and your favorite dark beer – and it’s easy to make in a skillet.

Looking down on a skillet of baked beans with bacon wrapped in a dark blue napkin with white stars and a wooden spoon.

While baked beans are delicious on their own, adding bacon takes them to the next level. The smoky, salty flavor of bacon complements the sweetness of the baked beans, creating a dish that is both hearty and satisfying!

Ingredients you’ll need

Ingredients needed to make baked beans with bacon.

Thick-cut Bacon – who doesn’t love bacon? It adds a smoky flavor and the bacon grease is used to sauté the vegetables for even more flavor.
Yellow Onion, Red Pepper, and Garlic – create the flavorful base for these beans.
Jalapeño Peppers – add a punch of flavor without being overpowering or too spicy.
Dark Beer – I love the deep, intense flavor that dark beer adds to recipes. Substitute ginger ale or vegetable stock if you prefer.
Brown Sugar – I used light brown sugar but you can substitute dark brown for a stronger flavor.
Molasses – medium or dark adds a nice warm flavor to the beans. Blackstrap molasses is not recommended, the flavor is too bitter.
Barbecue Sauce – adds another layer of flavor, and more tanginess to the beans.
Canned Pinto Beans – using cooked beans makes this recipes super-easy to prepare. Navy beans, great northern, and red kidney beans will also work.
Chili Powder – adds a nice smokey flavor to balance the sweetness, and even more depth of flavor overall.

Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below

A small bowl of baked beans with chunks of bacon in a tray with barbecue ribs and cornbread.

How to make baked beans with bacon

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until crisp, about 10 minutes.

Chopped pieces of bacon simmering in a large cast iron skillet.

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet.

Increase heat to medium-high and add the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños. Cook, stirring often until softened, about five minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one additional minute.

Diced onion, red pepper, and jalapeno in a large skillet.

Stir in the beer and scrape the bottom of the skillet to remove any cooked on bits. Add the brown sugar, chili powder, molasses, and barbecue sauce. Stir to combine.

Barbecue sauce, beer, and spices simmering in a skillet.

Stir in the drained beans. Sprinkle the cooked bacon over the top and lightly stir into the mixture.

Pinto beans, barbecue sauce, minced onion, jalapeno, and bell pepper in a skillet.

Place in preheated oven and bake until bubbling and browned, about 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Looking down on a tray with barbecue ribs, cornbread wedge, and a small bowl of baked beans with bacon.

Baked beans can be left out at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or kept warm in a crock pot for up to 4 hours.

Recipe Tips

Thick-cut bacon cooks more evenly and adds texture to this recipe, but regular bacon will work as well – just keep an eye on it while it is cooking.
The barbecue sauce that you choose will affect the overall flavor. Hickory will add a smokey flavor, honey or brown sugar will add sweetness, and spicy – well the name gives it away – more heat! Use your family’s favorite and you can’t go wrong.

Recipe Variations

This baked beans recipe is very flexible, you can change things up and create and amazing side dish based on your family’s preferences.

Chipotle peppers would add even more spiciness and smokey flavor.
Diced habanero pepper will add more heat to this dish for those who like things extra-spicy!
Smoked paprika would be another way to add more smokiness without adding heat.

How to store baked beans

Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, place cooled beans in an freezer-safe container or zipper topped bags and freeze for up to 6 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet, in a 375° F. oven until heated through. Add additional barbecue sauce to thin if needed.

Tools used to create this recipe

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Serving suggestions

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Enjoy!!