Quick Barbecued Beans (Print View)

Smoky, tangy beans simmered in rich barbecue sauce, perfect as a hearty side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beans

01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 clove garlic, minced

→ Sauce

04 - 1 cup ketchup
05 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
06 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
08 - 2 tbsp molasses or honey
09 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (use vegan version if needed)
10 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

→ Fat

14 - 1 tbsp olive oil

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add the drained and rinsed beans to the saucepan, stirring gently to coat them in the aromatics.
03 - Pour in the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, molasses or honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
04 - Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 3–5 minutes if a thicker, more concentrated sauce is desired.
06 - Taste the beans and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables, burgers, or cornbread.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sauce tastes like it simmered all day but only needs twenty minutes on the stove.
  • Everything comes from cans and jars you probably already have in your kitchen.
  • It doubles effortlessly for crowds and reheats beautifully the next day.
02 -
  • Do not skip rinsing the beans because the canning liquid will make your sauce cloudy and slightly metallic tasting.
  • If you accidentally let it simmer uncovered the whole time the sauce will reduce too quickly and you will need to add a splash of water to save it.
03 -
  • Let the beans sit off the heat for five minutes before serving because the sauce thickens and the flavors settle into something richer.
  • Use the vegan Worcestershire sauce and swap honey for maple syrup to make this completely plant based without losing any depth of flavor.

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