Ingredients
- 4 cans (15 oz each) Navy beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ lb. bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wood pellets (fruitwood like apple or hickory for a smoky flavor)
Instructions
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Preheat the Pellet Smoker:
- Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F (107°C)using fruitwood pellets for a smoky flavor.
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Cook Bacon and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet. Add chopped onions, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, and chopped jalapeños. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
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Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained navy beans with the sautéed bacon and vegetables
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Make the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together tomato ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your liking.
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Mix Everything Together:
- Pour the sauce over the bean mixture and stir until all the ingredients are well coated.
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Transfer to a Smoker-Safe Dish:
- Transfer the bean mixture to a smoker-safe dish, ensuring it's spread evenly.
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Smoke the Baked Beans:
- Place the dish directly on the preheated smoker grates. Smoke the baked beans at 225°F for 2 to 2.5 hours. This allows the beans to absorb the smoky flavor while developing a rich and savory profile.
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Check for Consistency:
- Periodically check the beans and stir gently to ensure even smoking. If the beans seem too dry, you can add a small amount of water or apple juice.
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Check for Doneness
- Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The beans are ready when they have a thick and rich consistency.
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Rest and Serve:
- Once done, remove the smoked brown sugar and bacon baked beans from the pellet smoker. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish the baked beans with additional diced bacon or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot as a flavorful side dish at your barbecue or alongside grilled meats.
This Smoked Brown Sugar & Bacon Baked Beans recipe transforms a classic side dish into a smoky sensation. The combination of brown sugar, bacon, and a hint of jalapeño adds layers of flavor to these beans, making them a standout addition to any outdoor meal. Adjust the spice level and sweetness to suit your preferences, and savor the rich, smoky goodness from your Blackstone Pellet Grill.