Barracks Battle Beans are smoky BBQ baked beans loaded with bacon, peppers, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce, then cooked uncovered in the smoker until thick and caramelized.
Smoke them at 250°F for 2–3 hours with Smokin’ Soldier for a smoky, mild flavor or Blazin’ Battle for extra heat. Add jalapeños or brisket burnt ends if you want to turn the side dish into something even more dangerous.
What You’ll Need
- Smoker set to 250°F
- Hickory or apple wood
- Cast iron Dutch oven
- Aluminum foil
- Gloves
- Tongs
- Meat probe
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28 oz.) baked beans
- ½ lb. bacon, reserve drippings
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup Smokin’ Soldier or Blazin’ Battle BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp. yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- Optional: crushed jalapeño
- Optional: brisket burnt ends
Instructions
1. Prep the Bacon
Chop the bacon and cook it in cast iron over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, keeping all the drippings in the pan.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion and bell pepper to the bacon drippings. Cook until softened and lightly browned.
3. Load the Beans
Add the baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, black pepper, and Smokin’ Soldier or Blazin’ Battle. Stir until well combined.
4. Fire Support Upgrade — Optional
Add chopped jalapeños or a handful of brisket burnt ends.
5. Smoke Ops Initiated
Place the uncovered cast iron pan in the smoker at 250°F. Smoke for 2–3 hours until the top caramelizes and the beans thicken.
6. Bacon Re-Deployment
Scatter the crispy bacon across the top and smoke for 10 more minutes.
7. Serve and Detonate
Serve hot. These beans will steal the show. Consider making a double batch if you're feeding Marines.
Barracks Tip
If your beans start bubbling like a mortar blast, you did it right. Don’t stir — let that crust form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you smoke baked beans at 250°F?
For this recipe, smoke the baked beans uncovered at 250°F for 2–3 hours, until the sauce thickens and the top begins to caramelize.
Should you cover baked beans in the smoker?
Not for this recipe. Leaving the beans uncovered allows them to absorb more smoke and helps a caramelized crust develop on top.
What wood is best for smoked baked beans?
Hickory and apple both work well. Hickory provides a stronger smoke flavor, while apple gives the beans a milder, slightly sweeter smoke profile.
Can you add meat to smoked baked beans?
Absolutely. Bacon is already part of this recipe, and brisket burnt ends are an optional addition if you want a richer, meatier side dish.
What BBQ sauce works best in baked beans?
A smoky BBQ sauce works well for balanced flavor, while a spicy BBQ sauce adds more heat. Choose one that complements the sweetness of the beans without overpowering them.
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