The Ultimate Smoked BBQ Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon

Transform your backyard BBQ into an unforgettable culinary experience with this incredible Smoked BBQ Baked Beans recipe. Combining the rich flavors of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, a tangy BBQ sauce, and a thoughtful blend of seasonings, these beans deliver an unparalleled smoky depth that will become the star of any potluck or family gathering. Whether you prefer the convenience of canned beans or the satisfaction of crafting them from scratch, this versatile side dish is perfectly suited for any smoker or pellet grill, including popular models like the Traeger.

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If you’ve enjoyed my classic Southern Baked Beans, prepare for a delightful upgrade! This recipe builds upon that beloved foundation, introducing the hearty addition of seasoned ground beef and an infusion of genuine smoked flavor that elevates the entire dish. If you don’t have a smoker or simply prefer to bake them, refer to the original recipe for conventional oven baking times, though you’ll miss out on that incredible smoky aroma.

Choosing Your Key Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

The success of any great baked bean recipe lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. For this smoked version, each component plays a crucial role in building layers of irresistible flavor.

The Heart of the Sauce: Selecting Your BBQ Sauce

Without a doubt, your choice of BBQ sauce is paramount! It forms the very essence of the smoky, sweet, and tangy profile these beans are known for. Don’t be afraid to use your absolute favorite brand or even a homemade blend. Regional BBQ sauces, like the famously rich and zesty Kansas City Gates BBQ Sauce, offer distinct characteristics that can truly make this dish shine. Consider whether you prefer a sweeter, tangier, spicier, or mustard-based sauce, as each will impart a unique twist to your beans. Experimentation is encouraged to find your perfect match!

Crispy Perfection: What Type of Bacon to Use

Bacon adds a foundational layer of salty, savory richness and a delightful textural contrast. While any type of bacon will technically work, a good quality, thick-cut bacon is often preferred for its robust flavor and ability to stand up to the long smoking process. Uncured and nitrate-free options are excellent choices if you’re mindful of ingredients. Feel free to use pork bacon, or if you prefer, turkey bacon can be substituted without needing to adjust the cooking time significantly. The rendered bacon fat also contributes immensely to the overall flavor of the dish, so don’t discard it all!

Hearty and Flavorful: What Type of Meat to Use

Many classic Southern baked bean recipes feature ground beef, and for good reason—it deepens the savory profile and adds a satisfying heartiness to the dish. This addition is what truly distinguishes these beans from a simple side to a more substantial, meal-worthy offering. However, this recipe is incredibly flexible. You can easily substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, or even a flavorful sausage. For those seeking a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat entirely and choose vegetarian baked beans to keep the dish meat-free.

The Foundation: Choosing Your Beans

Navy beans are a traditional choice for baked beans due to their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors beautifully. For ultimate convenience, canned baked beans are an excellent shortcut. Popular brands like Bush’s offer a consistent quality that many home cooks rely on. When using canned beans, remember to pour off any excess liquid that forms at the top of the can, but don’t completely drain them, as some of that liquid contributes to the sauce’s body.

If you’re a purist and wish to embark on a truly from-scratch journey using dried beans, that’s certainly an option! However, it requires a significant amount of extra preparation and cooking time. You would first need to soak and cook the dried beans until tender before incorporating them into the recipe. For guidance on cooking dried beans, consider exploring recipes for Instant Pot Baked Beans or Slow Cooker Beans to master the initial bean preparation step before moving on to the smoking process. Opting for canned beans will dramatically reduce your prep and cook time, making this a much more approachable recipe for busy schedules.

How to Make Traeger Smoked Baked Beans with Bacon and Ground Beef

Crafting these smoky, savory baked beans is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch:

1. Preheat Your Smoker: Begin by preheating your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This low and slow temperature is ideal for infusing maximum smoky flavor without overcooking the beans.
2. Brown the Meats and Aromatics: In a sturdy, smoker-safe skillet (a 12-inch cast iron skillet is perfect for this, allowing you to use one pan from stovetop to smoker), heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon, ground beef, and diced onions. Cook until the bacon is delightfully crisp, the ground beef is thoroughly browned with no pink remaining, and the onions have softened and become translucent and fragrant.
3. Drain and Add Garlic: Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is crucial to prevent the beans from becoming overly greasy. Once drained, add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir, cooking for just about a minute until it becomes aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the canned baked beans (remembering to pour off the top liquid but not fully drain), ketchup, BBQ sauce, chili powder, and brown sugar or sweetener to the skillet. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. This is a critical moment to taste the mixture and adjust seasonings to your preference. The bacon usually provides enough salt, but feel free to add more if needed, or dial up the sweetness or spice.
5. Smoke to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to your preheated smoker. Allow the beans to smoke for 2 to 3 hours. During this time, the beans will become bubbly, the sauce will thicken to a rich consistency, and they will develop an incredible, deep smoky flavor.
6. Cool and Serve: Once the beans have reached your desired smoky intensity and consistency, remove them from the smoker. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. This brief cooling period helps the flavors meld and the sauce to set further.

Expert Tips and Frequently Asked Questions for Smoked Baked Beans

Achieving the perfect smoked baked beans is all about understanding a few key principles and having the flexibility to adjust to your taste and equipment. Here are some pro tips and answers to common questions:

What Type of Wood/Pellets to Use?

The choice of wood or pellets significantly impacts the final smoky flavor. For baked beans, mild to medium fruit woods like apple and cherry work wonderfully, imparting a subtle sweetness. Hickory or oak will provide a more robust, traditional BBQ smoke flavor. Many pellet grill users find success with a “Signature Blend” that combines different wood types. If you’re looking for a stronger smoke flavor in a shorter amount of time, opt for a more assertive wood like hickory. For a milder, more delicate smoke, fruitwoods are your best bet, though you might need to extend the smoking time slightly to achieve the desired depth of flavor.

Recommended Smoker Temperature

I highly recommend setting your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature allows the beans to slowly absorb the smoky essence without drying out or burning. It’s the sweet spot for achieving that tender texture and deep, infused flavor.

How Long to Cook / Cook Time

The beans typically require 2-3 hours of smoking. The exact time can vary based on your smoker, the external temperature, and your personal preference for smoky intensity. The best way to determine if they’re ready is to taste them! Look for the beans to be bubbly, the sauce to have thickened to your liking, and a distinct, delicious smoky flavor to have permeated throughout.

Are They Spicy?

The recipe includes chili powder, which adds a warm, earthy flavor. While I don’t personally find this amount overly spicy, individual heat tolerance varies. If you prefer milder beans or are sensitive to spice, you have a couple of options: you can either omit the chili powder entirely, or start with just ½ teaspoon and gradually add more to taste until you reach your desired level of warmth.

Are the Beans Sweet?

Sweetness is a crucial element in balancing the rich, savory, and smoky flavors of baked beans. I find that 3 tablespoons of brown sugar or a sugar-free sweetener provides a perfectly moderate level of sweetness. If you have a sweeter tooth and prefer your baked beans to be truly decadent, increase the amount to ¼ cup (4 tablespoons). Always taste and adjust to ensure the sweetness perfectly complements the other flavors.

What Type of Pan to Use?

A 12-inch cast iron skillet is my top recommendation. Cast iron retains and distributes heat exceptionally well, ensuring even cooking and a beautiful caramelization on the edges. Its durability also makes it ideal for transitioning directly from the stovetop to the smoker. Alternatively, any heavy-duty, oven-safe, or smoker-safe pan will work, such as a stainless steel pan or a ceramic baking dish, as long as it’s roughly 9×13 inches in size to accommodate the volume of ingredients.

How to Make a Large Pan for a Crowd

This recipe is designed to yield 8 generous servings, making it perfect for a family meal or small gathering. If you’re hosting a larger crowd or want to have plenty of leftovers, it’s incredibly easy to scale up. Simply double or even triple all the ingredients in the recipe to create a bigger batch. Just ensure you use a large enough smoker-safe pan to hold the increased volume.

Can You Make Them Ahead?

Absolutely! Smoked BBQ Baked Beans are an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare the beans as directed, then allow them to cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes them a perfect option for parties or busy weeknights, as the flavors often deepen overnight.

How to Make them Vegetarian

Converting this recipe to a vegetarian version is simple. The key is to start with vegetarian baked beans from a can. From there, you will simply omit the bacon and ground beef (or other ground meat) called for in the recipe. All the other seasonings and sauces will create a delicious, smoky, and meat-free side.

Freezer Tips for Long-Term Storage

These smoked BBQ baked beans freeze beautifully, making them an excellent candidate for meal prepping. Once cooled completely, transfer the beans to a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply defrost them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This allows you to have a delicious, smoky side dish ready to go whenever the craving strikes.

How to Reheat Smoked Baked Beans

Reheating your smoked baked beans is simple, and several methods work well to restore their delicious warmth and flavor. My preferred methods are using the oven or an air fryer, both at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, until the beans are heated through and bubbly. The stovetop is also a great option: gently heat the beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are hot. If the beans seem a little thick, you can add a splash of water or broth while reheating.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Smoked BBQ Baked Beans

These hearty and flavorful smoked baked beans are the quintessential BBQ side dish, complementing a wide array of main courses. Their smoky sweetness and savory depth make them a versatile partner for almost any grilled or smoked protein. Consider pairing them with:

• Traeger Smoked Glazed Ham
• Smoked Cod
• Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast
• Traeger Smoked Salmon
• Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast
• Traeger Smoked Ribs (3-2-1 Method)
• Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
• Traeger Smoked Whole Chicken
• Traeger Pulled Pork (Shoulder Butt)

More Delicious Smoked Side Dishes

If you’ve fallen in love with the magic of smoked side dishes, there’s a whole world of flavor to explore beyond these beans. Elevate your BBQ spread with these equally impressive smoked accompaniments:

• Smoked Salsa
• Smoked Mac and Cheese
• Smoked Sweet Potatoes
• Smoked Asparagus
• Smoked Baked Potatoes
• Traeger Smoked Corn on the Cob

Don’t forget to explore our comprehensive collection of 25 Recipes With Ground Beef for more culinary inspiration.

Traeger Smoked Baked Beans with Bacon and Ground Beef

By Brandi Crawford

This Smoked BBQ Baked Beans recipe is made with ground beef, bacon, BBQ sauce, and plenty of seasoning for the ultimate smoky flavor. You can use canned beans or make the dish homemade from scratch. This dish can be made with any smoker or pellet Traeger grill.

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

3 hrs 30 mins

Total Time:

3 hrs 45 mins

Course:

dinner, lunch

Cuisine:

American, Southern

Servings:

8 servings

Calories:

435 kcal

Equipment

• Traeger Pellet Smoker
• 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet or similar smoker-safe pan

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion (I use white onion)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (28 oz) cans baked beans (I use vegetarian)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (This amount will give the beans a kick. If you don’t want a dose of spicy, omit it or start with ½ teaspoon and continue to taste and build.)
• 2-4 tablespoons brown sugar or sweetener (I typically use 3 tablespoons for moderate sweetness. See notes.)

Instructions

1. Preheat smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet (or any smoker-safe dish) on medium-high heat. Add the bacon, ground beef, and chopped onions. Cook until the bacon is crisp, the ground beef is no longer pink, and the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the minced garlic and stir, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.
4. Add the canned beans, ketchup, BBQ sauce, chili powder, and brown sugar or sweetener to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as desired. I typically don’t add extra salt as the bacon provides enough, but season to your preference.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated smoker. Smoke for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beans are bubbly, the sauce has thickened, and the beans have absorbed a rich, smoky flavor.
6. Remove from the smoker and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Any type of bacon, including turkey bacon, will work for this recipe.
• You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, or sausage for the ground beef, or omit meat entirely for a vegetarian version (ensure canned beans are vegetarian).
• When using canned beans, pour off the top layer of liquid, but do not completely drain the beans, as some liquid contributes to the sauce.
• If you are sensitive to spice, adjust the chili powder quantity. Start with ½ teaspoon or omit it completely.
• For sweetness, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar or sweetener provides a moderate taste. Use ¼ cup if you prefer a sweeter profile.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving

Calories: 435 kcal

Carbohydrates: 54 g

Protein: 22 g

Fat: 10 g

Nutrition Data Disclaimer

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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