BBQ Cowboy Beans: Smoked To Perfection

Looking for a side dish that’s anything but ordinary? Our recipe for BBQ Cowboy Beans takes a classic and infuses it with smoky goodness, thanks to your trusty pellet smoker. This isn’t just your average baked beans recipe; the subtle kiss of smoke elevates these hearty beans to a whole new level of flavor. With minimal prep and maximum taste, these BBQ Cowboy Beans are destined to become a staple at your backyard barbecues and potlucks. Get ready to impress your guests with this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your BBQ Cowboy Beans:

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) of navy beans, undrained. I built this recipe on navy beans, but I now make it with home canned Black Beans. You can use whatever beans you prefer.
• 1 package (typically 12-16 ounces) of bacon, cut into your preferred size chunks
• 1 (18 ounce) bottle of Kraft Original BBQ Sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce.
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• Your favorite BBQ rub, to taste
• 1 cup of water, you may need more depending on the sauce thickness you desire. The smoker will evaporate some of the moisture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Smoking Your BBQ Cowboy Beans:

1. Prep the Bacon: While the bacon is still cold, slice the entire package into quarters or whatever size chunks you desire. The beauty of BBQ Cowboy Beans is that rustic, hearty texture, so don’t be afraid of larger pieces!
2. Cook the Bacon: Place the cut bacon in a large cast iron pot. Cook over medium heat on your stovetop until the bacon is tender but not overly crispy. You want it cooked enough to render some fat but still have some chewiness.
3. Drain the Grease: Carefully drain off most of the bacon grease from the cast iron pot, leaving just a tablespoon or two for added flavor.
4. Build the Sauce: Return the cast iron pot with the cooked bacon to the stovetop. Pour in the entire 18-ounce bottle of Kraft Original BBQ sauce.
5. Sweeten and Thin: Add the 1/2 cup of packed dark brown sugar and the 1 cup of water to the pot. Stir everything together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is well blended.
6. Spice it Up: Now for a touch of your personal flair! Add a few generous shakes of your favorite BBQ rub to the mixture. Remember, you can adjust the amount based on your preference for seasoning and heat. Stir well to incorporate the rub.

Now to Transform Your Beans Into Something Special:

1. The Smoky Transformation: This is where the magic of BBQ Cowboy Beans truly happens! Place the uncovered cast iron pot directly onto the grates of your preheated pellet smoker. The ideal smoker temperature is around 225-250°F (107-121°C).
2. Initial Smoke: Leave the beans in the uncovered smoker until a light film begins to form over the surface of the beans. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes, but keep an eye on it.
3. Stir and Continue Smoking: Once the light film has formed, give the beans a good stir to redistribute the smoky flavor.
4. Final Smoke: Leave the uncovered pot back in the pellet smoker for another approximately 20 minutes. This allows more of that delicious smoky essence to infuse into the beans. Add some more water if it looks too thick, the additional water will not hurt the flavor.
5. Cool and Serve: Remove the cast iron pot from the smoker and let the beans cool down slightly before serving. Give them one final stir. The smoky aroma alone will have everyone lining up for a taste!

Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes Cook Time (Stovetop): Approximately 10-15 minutes Cook Time (Smoker): Approximately 35-40 minutes (can be longer for more intense smoke)

Pro Tip for Extra Smoky Goodness: For a deeper smoke flavor, you can leave the BBQ Beans in the smoker for a longer period, up to an hour or even a little more. Just be sure to check on them periodically and stir to prevent sticking or burning. The longer they are exposed to the smoke, the more intense the flavor will become.

These BBQ Cowboy Beans are the perfect accompaniment to your favorite smoked meats, burgers, hot dogs, or enjoyed on their own as a hearty side. The combination of sweet BBQ sauce, savory bacon, and that irresistible smoky touch will make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So fire up your pellet smoker and get ready to enjoy a truly exceptional side dish!

Check out my recipe for amazing Pulled Pork!

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