Sweet And Spicy Baked Beans
Sweet and spicy baked beans combine smoky pork, tender beans, and vibrant peppers for a hearty, flavorful dish. The balance of barbecue sauce, mustard, and brown sugar creates a deliciously tangy and sweet profile, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who love bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a medium saucepot, cook the pork chop, chopped onion, and diced bell peppers in olive oil over medium-high heat for 7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the remaining ingredients: mustard, salt, chili powder, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar.
- Transfer the mixture to an 11 x 7-inch baking or casserole dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the beans are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika instead of chili powder. You can substitute the pinto and white beans with black beans or kidney beans if preferred. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This Sweet And Spicy Baked Beans recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked beans as a hearty side dish at your next barbecue or picnic. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, especially pork recipes like Oven Fried Pork Chops. For a complete meal, consider adding a fresh green salad or cornbread to your spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in a covered dish for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Spicy Baked Beans contains roughly 308 calories, with 5g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1031mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the smoked pork chop and using vegetable broth instead of water. You might want to add some liquid smoke for a similar flavor profile.
How can I make these baked beans sweeter?
To enhance the sweetness, increase the amount of light brown sugar or add a tablespoon of maple syrup. You can also use sweet barbecue sauce to achieve that desired sweetness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bean mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).