Pioneer Woman Baked Beans Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the classic taste of baked beans, and I’ve found that Pioneer Woman’s recipe makes it truly memorable!

Imagine the combination of savory bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tangy barbecue sauce–all mixed with perfectly cooked beans.

The key is to let it simmer low and slow, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility–you can make it ahead and reheat without losing any of that delicious goodness.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Baked Beans Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 slices Bacon (halved)
• 1 Onion (medium, diced)
• 1/2 Green Pepper (medium, diced)
• 3 cans Pork and Beans (28 oz. each)
• 3/4 cup Barbecue Sauce
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cup Vinegar (distilled or cider)
• 2 tsp Dry Mustard (or 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 325°F.

Adjust your oven rack to the lower-middle position to ensure even cooking.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, fry the halved bacon slices until partially cooked but not crisp.

Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels.

Step 3:

Add diced onion and green pepper to the bacon drippings in the skillet.

Sauté until tender for about 5 minutes.

Step 4:

Stir in the pork and beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard.

Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.

Step 5:

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and lay the partially cooked bacon slices on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours until bubbly and thickened.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose Quality Bacon

Use a good-quality bacon for the best flavor as it will significantly impact the dish’s taste.

Adjust Sweetness and Tang

Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and vinegar to match your preference for sweetness and tanginess.

Make Ahead

You can prepare this recipe a day before serving and refrigerate.

Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Use Different Beans

For a twist, substitute one of the cans of pork and beans with kidney beans or pinto beans.

Add Extra Spice

If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions and peppers.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Baked Beans Recipe

Grilled Sausages

Grilled sausages are a perfect complement to baked beans.

Their smoky flavor enhances the savory notes in the beans.

Try pairing them with a side of mustard or barbecue sauce.

Cornbread

Cornbread adds a deliciously sweet and buttery element to the plate.

It’s a classic choice that never disappoints.

Serve it warm with a pat of butter on top.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch to your meal.

Its tangy dressing contrasts nicely with the rich, saucy beans.

Opt for a vinegar or mayonnaise-based slaw based on your preference.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delightful and nutritious addition.

Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt before roasting.

You can also toss them with a bit of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a comfort food favorite.

They offer a creamy and garlicky complement to the baked beans.

Add a splash of cream and a touch of roasted garlic for depth.

Avocado and Tomato Salad

An avocado and tomato salad brings freshness to the table.

Combine diced avocados and tomatoes with a squeeze of lime.

Top with chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt for a bright, zesty side.

Bread and Butter Pickles

Bread and butter pickles add a sweet and tangy twist to your meal.

Their crisp texture and vibrant flavor pair beautifully with baked beans.

You can serve them on the side or add to sandwiches for a punch of flavor.

Buttered Green Beans

Buttered green beans provide a simple yet delicious side option.

Steam the green beans until tender and toss with melted butter.

Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper to keep things classic and tasty.

Variations and Substitutions

You can easily customize this baked beans recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs!

Meat Options

Consider using turkey bacon or even sausage instead of traditional pork bacon.

Vegetarian Version

Simply leave out the bacon and add a few extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini.

Spicy Twist

Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Sweetness Levels

Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a subtler, sweet flavor.

Bean Choices

Try using a mix of cannellini beans and kidney beans for a different texture.

Sauce Variations

Experiment with different kinds of mustard or flavors of barbecue sauce to personalize the dish.

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Baked Beans Recipe

You’ve cooked up a batch of delicious Pioneer Woman baked beans and now have some leftovers.

Here’s how to store them properly to keep them tasting great!

Use a Suitable Container

First, transfer your leftover baked beans into an airtight container.

Ceramic, glass, or plastic containers work well.

Avoid using the original can for storage.

Cooling and Sealing

Let the beans cool to room temperature before sealing the container.

This prevents excess moisture buildup which can affect the texture and taste.

Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.

Refrigerate and Label

Place the sealed container in the refrigerator.

It’s best to consume the leftover baked beans within 3 to 4 days.

For easy tracking, label the container with the date you stored them.

You’re now ready to enjoy your leftover baked beans later with the same rich flavors!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Pre-Soak for Dry Beans

Don’t skip soaking your dry beans! It helps them cook evenly and reduces the overall cooking time.

I recommend soaking them overnight.

Not Cooking Bacon Properly

Don’t just throw uncooked bacon into the beans.

You need to fry the bacon first until it’s partially cooked to get that rich flavor.

Cook it until it’s crisp, but not too crispy!

Ignoring the Onion and Pepper Step

Skipping the step of sautéing onions and peppers is a big no-no.

You need to sauté them in bacon drippings until they’re soft and flavorful.

This step adds depth to your baked beans!