Baked Beans from Mission BBQ feature tender navy beans slow-cooked in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce with hints of brown sugar and spices, delivering a rich, hearty flavor and a thick, luscious texture.
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener (if using canned beans)
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Colander (if rinsing beans)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) dried navy beans (or 3 cans navy beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
When selecting navy beans for this recipe, you can use dried beans that require soaking and longer cooking time or opt for canned beans to save time--just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to reduce excess sodium. The combination of brown sugar, molasses, and barbecue sauce creates the signature sweet and smoky flavor, so using quality, full-flavored ingredients here will enhance your dish significantly. Fresh yellow onions and thick-cut bacon add depth and richness, while the key spices like smoked paprika and cayenne pepper bring warmth and subtle heat. Measuring ingredients accurately ensures the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky notes in your baked beans. Your version of Baked Beans from Mission BBQ copycat menu will rival the original when you follow these ingredient suggestions closely.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- If using dried beans, sort and rinse them. Soak overnight or use quick-soak method, then drain.
- Cook beans in fresh water until tender (about 1–1.5 hours). Drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) if finishing in oven.
- Dice the onion and bacon.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté diced onion in bacon fat until translucent.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, molasses, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Add cooked beans (or canned beans), sautéed onions, and crumbled bacon to the pot.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and gently stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cover and transfer pot to the oven; bake for 1.5–2 hours, or until thickened and flavorful. (Alternatively, simmer covered on stovetop for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.)
- Check seasoning; adjust salt, pepper, or sugar if desired.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Baked Beans from Mission BBQ copycat recipe relies on slow-cooked navy beans simmered in a smoky barbecue sauce infused with brown sugar and spices for an authentic, hearty taste. You can substitute dried navy beans with canned beans for a quicker preparation, but make sure to drain and rinse them well to reduce excess sodium. If thick-cut bacon is unavailable, regular bacon or smoked sausage can add a similar smoky depth to the dish. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and increase the smoked paprika and garlic powder to maintain a robust flavor profile. Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat preference to personalize the spiciness to your liking.
Tips
When using dried navy beans, ensure they are thoroughly soaked and cooked until tender to avoid a gritty texture in your baked beans. You should carefully monitor the sauce thickness during baking or simmering; it should be thick and luscious, not watery, for the best flavor and presentation. Pay close attention to the balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors by tasting before serving and adjusting seasonings like salt, brown sugar, or cayenne pepper. Your effort in cooking the bacon until crispy and sauteing the onions in the rendered fat significantly elevates the dish's smoky depth and complexity.
Nutritions
Baked Beans from Mission BBQ are a protein-rich dish with navy beans providing essential fiber and plant-based protein to support digestion and muscle health. The inclusion of bacon adds a source of fat and additional protein, while spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The barbecue sauce, molasses, and brown sugar introduce carbohydrates for energy, but also increase the sugar content, so you should consume this dish in moderation if managing blood sugar levels. Your meal benefits from a balanced mix of macronutrients and flavorful, nutrient-dense ingredients that make it both hearty and satisfying.
Storage
Store your Baked Beans in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain their rich, smoky flavor and thick texture. For longer storage, freeze the beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, ensuring to leave space for expansion. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stovetop or in the oven to preserve the sauce's depth and consistency.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute smoked turkey or sausage for the bacon to create a different smoky flavor while keeping the heartiness intact. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add a teaspoon of liquid smoke and extra smoked paprika to achieve that classic BBQ taste. Using canned beans shortens the cooking time significantly, allowing you to focus on developing the sauce's rich tanginess. For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapenos during the onion saute step.
Allergies
Baked Beans from Mission BBQ contain common allergens such as mustard and Worcestershire sauce, which may include fish or gluten depending on the brand. Bacon introduces the risk of pork sensitivity, and some barbecue sauces may have soy or gluten ingredients. Your best option is to carefully review labels and consult ingredient lists if you have allergies to mustard, fish, gluten, or pork.
Why this recipe?
Mission BBQ's Baked Beans stand out due to their rich, smoky flavor enhanced by slow-cooked pork and a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The hearty texture combined with authentic barbecue spices offers a comforting side that complements smoked meats exceptionally well. Your attempt to recreate this dish at home allows you to capture the unique, bold taste and customize the ingredients to suit your flavor preferences. This copycat recipe promises a satisfying, flavorful experience that mirrors the beloved menu item from Mission BBQ.