Kick Up Your Cookout: BBQ Baked Beans with a Sweet Chili Twist!

 

 Forget boring baked beans! This recipe for BBQ Baked Beans with Sweet Chili Sauce is a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The classic smoky sweetness of BBQ meets the vibrant, slightly spicy kick of sweet chili sauce, creating a side dish that's both comforting and exciting. Perfect for your next potluck, backyard BBQ, or even a cozy weeknight dinner.

 

Why You'll Love These Beans:

 

Uniquely Flavorful: The combination of BBQ sauce and sweet chili sauce creates a complex and delicious taste profile you won't find in traditional baked beans.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have these flavorful beans bubbling away in your oven.

Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is always a hit, appealing to a wide range of palates.

Versatile: Serve them alongside ribs, burgers, pulled pork, grilled chicken – you name it! BBQ Baked Beans with Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

Yields: 8-10 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour

 

Ingredients:

 

2 (28 ounce) cans baked beans (such as Van Camp's or Bush's Original) - feel free to use your favorite kind!

1 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred brand and flavor)

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (adjust to your spice preference)

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, but highly recommended!)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Sauté the aromatics: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine ingredients: In a large oven-safe dish or Dutch oven, combine the baked beans, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, sautéed onion and pepper mixture, crumbled bacon (if using), Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Bake the beans: Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. If the beans seem too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth.

Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the baked beans from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot as a delicious side dish to your favorite BBQ fare.

Tips and Variations:

 

Spice it up: For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Add some protein: Cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or diced smoked sausage can be added for a heartier dish. Brown the meat before adding it to the bean mixture.

Use different beans: Experiment with different types of canned beans, such as pinto beans or kidney beans, for a different texture and flavor.

Slow cooker option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

Make these BBQ Baked Beans with Sweet Chili Sauce for your next gathering – your taste buds will thank you!