Summer is just around the corner. This season is the perfect time to gather with friends and family for a barbecue or two. One dish that always impresses and delights is homemade BBQ beans. Not only are they a classic favorite, but making them from scratch is also easy, economical, and healthier than store-bought options. Today, I'm going to share 3 different ways to cook up this delicious side dish.
Alright - let's dive in! 😁
Why Make BBQ Beans from Scratch?
1. Cost Savings: Using dried beans instead of canned beans is a smart way to save money. Dried beans are significantly cheaper and expand when cooked, giving you more bang for your buck. For instance, one pound of dried beans costs around $1.50 and yields about 6-7 cups of cooked beans, while a single can of beans costs about $1 and contains only 1.5 cups of beans. By choosing dried beans, you can feed more people for less money.

2. Health Benefits: Homemade BBQ beans are healthier because you control the ingredients. Dried beans do not contain the added sodium and preservatives found in canned beans. This allows you to create a more natural, less processed dish that's better for your heart and overall health. Plus, you can adjust the flavors and seasonings to suit your taste, ensuring a delicious and nutritious side dish.
3. Superior Flavor and Texture: Cooking beans from scratch allows you to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Canned beans can sometimes be mushy or bland, but homemade beans are cooked to your preferred doneness and can be infused with rich, smoky BBQ flavors that everyone will love.
Easy Homemade BBQ Beans On the Stovetop
Here’s the first, simple and delicious recipe for homemade BBQ beans that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
1 pound dried navy beans or pinto beans
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups water or broth
Optional: 1 cup diced ham or bacon
Instructions:
Prepare the Beans:
Rinse and sort the dried beans, removing any debris or damaged beans.
Soak the beans in a large bowl with plenty of water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
Cook the Beans:
In a large pot, add the soaked beans and cover with fresh water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cook the beans for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Combine and Simmer*:
Add the cooked beans to the pot with the onions and garlic.
Pour in the BBQ sauce mixture and stir to combine.
If using, add the diced ham or bacon.
Add water or broth to reach the desired consistency (about 1-2 cups).
Bring to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
Serve:
Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve warm.
Making homemade BBQ beans from scratch is not only easy and delicious, but it's also a great way to save money and eat healthier. By using dried beans, you get more servings for less cost, and you avoid the added sodium and preservatives found in canned beans. Plus, the superior flavor and texture of homemade beans will make your next barbecue a standout event.
*This recipe can also be 'Baked' in the oven if you are one who loves Baked BBQ Beans. Instead of simmering on the stovetop for 30-45 minutes cover the beans and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to one hour.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the rich flavors of homemade BBQ beans. Your guests will be impressed, and you'll feel great knowing you've made a healthier, budget-friendly choice.
Discover the Secret to Flavorful, Healthy BBQ Beans Right from Your Grill

Personally, I find BBQ Beans cooked on the grill to be tastier and just as easy to cook as I'm already grilling other food. I love how they soak in a little bit of that smoky flavor and remind me of how my dad used to make them when I was a kid.
To cook the beans on the grill you will follow steps 1 - 3 above. Then follow steps 4 - 8 below.
4. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In a large cast-iron skillet or grill-safe pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat on your grill.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Add the cooked beans to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
Pour in the BBQ sauce mixture and stir to combine.
If using, add the diced ham or bacon.
Add water or broth to reach the desired consistency (about 1-2 cups).
Cover the skillet or pot with aluminum foil or a lid.
6. Grill the Beans:
Move the skillet to indirect heat on the grill (a cooler part of the grill away from direct flames).
Cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a bit more water or broth as needed.
7. Add Smoky Flavor:
For an extra smoky flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips to the grill and close the lid. This will infuse the beans with a rich, smoky aroma.
8. Serve:
Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve warm.
Grilling your BBQ beans not only enhances their flavor but also makes the cooking process more convenient if you're already grilling other items. This method adds an authentic smoky touch that perfectly complements the rich, savory beans.
Give this grilled BBQ beans recipe a try at your next barbecue or any time and enjoy the delicious combination of homemade goodness and smoky grill flavors. Your guests will love it, and you'll appreciate the simplicity and taste of this dish.
Save Time by Making These Quick & Easy BBQ Beans Using an Electric Pressure Cooker
Sometimes you just don't have the time (or maybe patience) to soak overnight and wait for the beans to simmer to perfection. I've got you covered!! Using an electric pressure cooker like the Pampered Chef Multi-Cooker or an Instant Pot can significantly cut down on cooking time and still deliver delicious, flavorful BBQ beans. Here's how to modify the recipe for your pressure cooker:

Ingredients:
1 pound dried navy beans or pinto beans
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 cups water or broth
Optional: 1 cup diced ham or bacon
Instructions:
Rinse the Beans:
Rinse and sort the dried beans, removing any debris or damaged beans.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Set your pressure cooker to the sauté mode and heat a bit of oil.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Combine Ingredients:
Add the rinsed beans to the pot.
Pour in the barbecue sauce, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Add water or broth to the pot (6 cups).
If using, add the diced ham or bacon. Stir to combine.
Pressure Cook:
Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position.
Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and cook for 35 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
Thicken and Adjust Seasoning:
After the pressure has been released, open the lid and stir the beans.
If the beans are too liquidy, set the cooker to sauté mode and simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally to avoid burning the beans.
Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve:
Serve the BBQ beans warm as a delicious side dish.
Benefits of Using a Pressure Cooker:
Time-Saving: Cuts down the cooking time significantly compared to traditional stovetop methods.
Enhanced Flavor: Pressure cooking helps infuse the beans with the rich, smoky BBQ flavors.
Convenience: Set it and almost forget it – the pressure cooker does all the hard work for you.
Wrapping It All Up
Any way you cook them BBQ Beans are a must-have for picnics, BBQ's, and summertime family gatherings! Let me know in the comments which of these recipes you'd be more likely to try!

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