These Stinger Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans are the perfect BBQ side dish—smoky, saucy, and full of rich flavor with just the right amount of kick. Whether you’re cooking over a fire while camping or adding a hearty side to your next cookout, this bean recipe brings big flavor with minimal fuss.
Stinger Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans
There’s just something about baked beans that completes a backyard cookout or fireside meal. For years I made my beans in the oven or a slow cooker, but once I started finishing them on the smoker, everything changed. That added layer of wood-fired flavor makes all the difference.
This version keeps it simple but packs a punch, with spicy notes from hot sauce or jalapeños and a sticky sweetness that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. Perfect alongside hot dogs, ribs, or grilled sausages.
How to Make Stinger Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans
Preparation
Preheat your grill or smoker to 300°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients—typically a mix of canned baked beans, brown sugar, mustard, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, and bacon. Stir until everything is well mixed, then pour the bean mixture into an aluminum foil tray.
Get It on the Smoker
Place the tray of beans on the smoker uncovered. Let them smoke for 1 hour to soak up that wood-fired flavor. Stir the beans once at the 30-minute mark and again at the 1-hour mark to ensure even cooking and color.
Cover and Bake
After the first hour of smoke, cover the tray tightly with foil. Continue cooking for another 2 hours. This step lets the beans thicken and absorb all the flavors while the bacon and sugar start to caramelize.
Check It
After 2 hours, remove the foil and check the consistency. If the beans are still too liquidy for your liking, continue cooking uncovered for another 30–60 minutes. You’re looking for a rich, saucy finish where the liquid clings to the beans but doesn’t drown them.
Serve Your Beans
Serve them hot straight from the smoker, or let them rest and refrigerate overnight. The flavors deepen even more the next day, making these beans an ideal make-ahead dish.
Best Beer to Pair With Stinger Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans
Amber Ale
Its malty backbone complements the sweetness of the beans while still holding up to the smoky depth.
Smoked Porter
A perfect pairing for a smoky dish like this—rich, roasty, and a touch sweet.
American Pale Ale
The hoppy bitterness helps cut through the fat and balances the sweet and spicy flavors.
Stinger Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans
Equipment
- Pit Boss PB 1000 Grill
- Hickory Wood Pellets
- Aluminum Tray
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Tin Foil
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat grill or smoker to 300°F
- Mix all ingredients and pour into a foil tray
- Smoke uncovered for 1 hour, stirring at 30 and 60 minutes
- Cover and cook for another 2 hours
- Uncover and cook up to 1 hour more for thicker consistency
- Serve hot or refrigerate and enjoy the next day
Stinger Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans FAQs
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check labels on sauces and condiments to avoid any hidden gluten.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely. Add onions, jalapeños, brisket trimmings, or even a splash of bourbon. You can also swap in kidney or pinto beans for a chili-like twist.
Can I use dry beans instead of canned?
Yes—but be sure to soak and cook them in advance. This recipe is designed around canned beans for convenience, but dry beans work great if you plan ahead.
Do I need to use a smoker?
A smoker adds amazing flavor, but you can also use a grill or even an oven. Just stick to the same time and temperature for best results.