These Smoked Loaded Baked Beans, cooked in a cast iron Dutch oven on my Pit Boss pellet smoker, turned out incredible. A friend shared a version of this recipe years ago that I usually make in a slow cooker, but using cast iron on the smoker adds a deeper, smoky flavor and a great texture.
I grew up with cast iron cookware in the family kitchen, and over the years I keep coming back to it. A Dutch oven on a pellet smoker is essentially a slow-cooking convection pot with the added benefit of smoke. Beans, soups, and stews are perfect for fall and winter, and smoking them brings a layer of complexity you can’t get from a slow cooker alone. For this batch I used a Pit Boss Pro 1100 and mesquite pellets — the low, steady heat and wood smoke really complement the beans and meat.
Smoked Loaded Baked Beans Ingredients:
- Brown sugar
- White vinegar
- Bush’s chili beans (27 oz can)
- Bush’s butter beans (16 oz can) – drained
- Bush’s baked beans (28 oz can)
- Ground beef (about 1 lb)
- Bacon (about 6–8 slices, partially cooked to preference)
- Onion powder
- Minced garlic
- Ketchup
- Brown/Dijon mustard
Save This Recipe!
If you like this recipe, save it to your collection or copy it into your favorite notes app. It makes a great side for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and game-day spreads.
How To Make Smoked Loaded Baked Beans:
1. Brown the meat and start the bacon. Brown your ground beef in a skillet and partially cook the bacon. I usually stop short of fully crisping the bacon since it will finish cooking in the Dutch oven—adjust to how you prefer your bacon.
If your Dutch oven is unseasoned, wipe a thin layer of oil on the cooking surface to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the beans. Open the cans and add them to the Dutch oven. I strained the butter beans but left the sauce in the chili and baked beans — keep or strain according to your texture preference.
3. Add the meat and seasonings. Stir in the browned ground beef and the partially cooked bacon. Add onion powder, minced garlic, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and a splash of white vinegar. If you like extra richness, add a little reserved bacon grease.
4. Fire up the smoker. Set your pellet smoker to a low temperature — around 200°F is a good target. I used a Pit Boss Pro 1100 and mesquite pellets for a bolder smoke. Place the uncovered Dutch oven on the grate so smoke can penetrate the beans.
5. Low and slow. Let the beans smoke, stirring every 30 minutes to keep them from sticking and to distribute smoke and heat. Cook for at least 3 hours on the hotter side of the smoker; if the Dutch oven sits in a cooler zone, allow 4–6 hours until fully flavored and tender.
6. Finish and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot. These beans pair wonderfully with smoked brisket, pulled pork, grilled chicken, or smashed potatoes.
Tips & Notes
- Partially cook bacon to your preferred level so it finishes to your liking while smoking.
- If your smoker has hot and cool zones, plan the cooking time accordingly—cooler zones require longer smoke times.
- Stir every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and to keep smoke flavor even.
- Use mesquite or hickory pellets for a stronger smoke flavor; milder woods like apple or cherry provide a lighter sweetness.
How To Store Smoked Baked Beans
Let beans cool slightly, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven to preserve texture.
What To Serve With Smoked Loaded Beans
- Smoked brisket or pulled pork
- Grilled or smoked chicken
- Smoked or grilled sausages
- Smoked baked potatoes or loaded mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked corn
Other Ingredients to Add
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Chili paste or hot sauce for depth
- Onion, diced and sautéed
- Extra beans like kidney, great northern, or lima beans
- Breakfast sausage or diced smoked sausage for variety
Equipment
- Pellet smoker or other smoker set for low-and-slow cooking
- Cast iron Dutch oven (large enough for the combined cans and meat)
- Stirring spoon or heat-resistant spatula
These Smoked Loaded Baked Beans are an easy, crowd-pleasing side that benefits from low heat and patience. The cast iron Dutch oven helps develop a deep, caramelized flavor while the smoker adds an unmistakable barbecue note. Give them a try next time you fire up the pellet grill — they’re a perfect companion to any smoked main.
