Beans are a staple at many summer barbecues. Canned beans provide a quick and easy way to make tasty BBQ beans to accompany your grilled meats, burgers and hot dogs. With a few simple ingredients, you can transform canned beans into a sweet, tangy and smoky BBQ bean side dish.
Ingredients Needed
To make BBQ beans from canned beans, you will need:
- 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps to Make BBQ Beans from Canned Beans
Prepare the Beans
- Drain and rinse the pinto beans and black beans well. This removes any excess sodium or liquid from the cans.
- Transfer the drained beans to a large bowl.
Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the beans and stir to coat them evenly.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Scrape the onion and garlic mixture into the bowl with the beans. Stir to combine.
Simmer the Beans
- Transfer the bean mixture to a pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Let the beans simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and coats the beans.
- Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For thicker beans, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot using a spoon or spatula.
And that’s it! Your BBQ beans made from canned beans are ready to enjoy. Keep warm until ready to serve alongside your favorite grilled meats or on a barbecue buffet.
Tips for Flavorful BBQ Beans
- Use your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce. Sweet, smoky and tangy flavors work best.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke.
- Try different types of canned beans – navy, great northern and cannellini also work well.
- Add crushed pineapple or mango for a touch of sweetness.
- Stir in cooked crumbled bacon or sausage for smokiness.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, cheddar cheese or crispy fried onion strings.
- For spicy beans, add chili powder or hot sauce to the sauce.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the beans before serving.
How Long Do BBQ Beans Last?
BBQ beans made from canned beans will keep well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days stored in an airtight container. The flavors will continue to meld and improve. You can also freeze the cooked beans for 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Always discard any beans that look or smell bad. When reheating, make sure the beans reach 165°F internally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of barbecue sauce is best for BBQ beans?
Thick, sticky, sweet barbecue sauces work best to give the beans plenty of sticky, smoky, sweet flavor. Ketchup-based sauces are a good choice. Avoid thin or vinegar-based sauces.
Should I drain and rinse the canned beans?
Yes, it’s important to drain and rinse canned beans to remove any excess sodium, liquid or starch. Be sure to drain them well before making the BBQ beans.
Do I need to pre-cook the beans?
No, there’s no need to pre-cook canned beans. They are already fully cooked inside the cans. Simply drain, rinse and use them in the BBQ bean recipe.
Can I prepare the beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the entire recipe 1-2 days in advance. Store the cooked beans in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve. Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What meat goes well with BBQ beans?
BBQ beans pair deliciously with classic barbecue meats like hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken wings and sausage. The sweet, tangy beans complement the smoky meats.
Should I use kidney beans instead of black beans?
Black beans work best for getting that classic BBQ bean flavor and appearance. But kidney beans can also be substituted if needed. Just be sure to thoroughly drain and rinse them.
Conclusion
BBQ beans made from canned beans are easy to prepare, budget-friendly and the perfect addition to any summer cookout menu. By combining pinto beans, black beans and a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, you can quickly transform canned beans into a crowd-pleasing flavor-packed side dish. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, and garnish with your favorite toppings. Make a big batch because these finger-licking BBQ beans are sure to disappear fast!