Delicious smoky, tangy and sweet this southern baked beans recipe is perfect alongside any barbecue - or any dish to be honest. Cooked in a cast iron pot makes them taste even better, but they can be cooked in any way - even in a slow cooker.

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My husband James has this Southern Baked Beans Recipe that will warm anyone's soul. It makes me laugh when I think about my upbringing (in England) - eating baked beans was just straight out of the can and heat it up. When I see James going to work on his baked beans he truly puts his heart and soul into it. They are honestly the best baked beans I've ever had!

I know, he uses the canned pork and beans, which to some may be cheating... but not really. They are the base, which is then jazzed up to a beautiful tangy, sweet and meaty dish that will (in his words) "make you slap your momma"!

Why you'll love this recipe

These beans are literally perfect with anything that comes off the grill. Hot dogs, hamburgers, steak, pork chops. It's all good! Make sure you make them for your next summer cookout.

Groceries you'll need: Ingredients

• Bacon Strips (slices of bacon)
• Sweet Onion
• Green Bell Peppers
• Celery Stalk
• Garlic
• Ground Meat
• Pork and Beans
• Brown Sugar
• Wholegrain Mustard
• BBQ Sauce
• Creole Seasoning

See recipe card in the post at the bottom for quantities.

Recipe walkthrough: Instructions

This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Step 1: We cook off the bacon first, chopped into strips. Once cooked (but not too crispy) remove the bacon and allow to drain on paper towel.
• Step 2: Cook the trinity (diced onion, bell pepper, celery) and garlic in the grease left from the bacon (bacon fat).
• Step 3: Cook the ground meat with the seasoning until no pink remains. Add this to the beans along with the bacon
• Step 4: Allow to cook on a very low heat for 1-2 hours. Garnish the top of the beans with some bacon pieces.

Hint: We like to cook our beans in a cast iron pot (or deep skillet), this way the mixture can be put into the oven and baked really low while the barbecue commences.

Recipe variations and substitute ideas

• Pinto Beans - instead of using pork and beans, use canned pinto beans instead.
• Dry beans - you'll need to cook them down first, but you could try making baked beans with dried pintos, or cannellini beans.
• Vegetarian - omit the bacon and the ground meat (boo) and turn this dish into a vegetarian dish.
• Spicy - add chili pepper flakes while cooking to imbue heat into the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce - Add a little Worcestershire Sauce for seasoning.
• Yellow Mustard - use this instead of the wholegrain mustard.
• Maple Syrup - This can be added to imbue some sweetness if you don't have brown sugar.
• Spicy Brown Mustard - use this in place of the wholegrain mustard.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - add a little of this to balance things out.
• Dry Mustard - you can use this instead of adding mustard.
• Yellow Onion - can be used in place of sweet onion.
• Cayenne Pepper - add this if you want a little heat.
• Ketchup - can also add a little tomatoey flavor.
• Liquid Smoke - can add a little smokey flavor to to these southern-style beans.
• Salt - if you think it needs it. I think the salt is in the bacon.

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More Beans recipes I think you'll love

• Kielbasa and Baked Beans Slow Cooker Recipe
• Crock Pot Pinto Beans
• Instant Pot White Beans
• Crock Pot Hoppin' John
• Bojangles Fried Chicken Recipe

Necessary gear: Equipment

I cook our baked beans in a cast iron pot. I have a link in the recipe card below for the size/type I use.

If you don't have a cast iron pot, use a Dutch Oven or other heavy pot.

You could even mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and then transfer to a casserole dish (or baking dish) and bake in the oven that way instead.

How to store leftovers

Once cooled completely store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

These southern baked beans do freeze well. Store in a freezer safe container in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Mel's kitchen notes

Don't allow the bottom to burn during cooking, or you could ruin your beans. Make sure to keep the heat low, the secret is low and slow!

Smoked Baked Beans Recipe

Yes, this recipe can actually be made on the smoker to make Smoked Baked Beans. It's the perfect side dish when grilling and gives a really great smoke flavor!

Prepare just like in the recipe but at the point you'd close up the pot and cook on low for 1-2 hours, instead you can add to an aluminum pan (if you prefer) otherwise, keep in the cast iron pot. Put directly on the smoker at 250°F for 2 hours. Stir occasionally.

Frequently asked questions: FAQs

If you’ve tried this SOUTHERN BAKED BEANS RECIPE or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!

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