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Oklahoma Joe’s Smoked Beans

Oklahoma Joe’s Smoked Beans
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Oklahoma Joe’s Smoked Beans are a classic Southern BBQ side dish featuring tender pinto or navy beans slow-smoked to perfection with smoky, savory flavors balanced by sweet brown sugar and spices. This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or any casual cookout, delivering deep BBQ richness and satisfying texture in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Base

  • 2 cups dried pinto or navy beans
  • 4 cups water or broth

Meat and Aromatics

  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Flavorings and Spices

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce or molasses
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Optional: diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for spice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beans: Rinse and soak your beans overnight in plenty of water. This step ensures the beans cook evenly and fully absorb the smoky flavors during the smoking process.
  2. Cook the bacon and aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy and the fat is rendered. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Combine ingredients: In a large heatproof dish or cast-iron pot suitable for smoking, mix together the soaked beans, cooked bacon, onions, garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, BBQ sauce or molasses, apple cider vinegar, and water or broth.
  4. Smoke the beans: Place the dish in your preheated smoker at 225°F (107°C). Smoke the beans low and slow for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out and to ensure even absorption of the smoky flavors.
  5. Final simmer and serve: After smoking, transfer the beans to a stovetop pot if needed. Simmer gently until the beans reach your preferred thickness and flavor intensity. Adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Use hickory or oak wood chips for the best authentic smoke flavor.
  • Do not skip soaking the beans; it helps them cook evenly and reduces smoker time.
  • Stir the beans occasionally during smoking to prevent sticking and promote even flavor distribution.
  • Monitor liquid levels during smoking; add water or broth as needed to maintain moisture.
  • This dish scales well for large groups or potlucks.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use smoked mushrooms or liquid smoke to add smoky flavor.
  • Reheat gently with added broth or water to maintain creamy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked beans, BBQ side dish, Oklahoma Joe's, Southern cooking, pinto beans, navy beans, smoked bacon, backyard BBQ

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/oklahoma-joes-smoked-beans/