Neely’s Barbecue Baked Beans: A Taste of Southern Comfort

The scent of barbecue still vividly recalls childhood summers spent at my grandmother’s house in Memphis. The air, thick with humidity and the promise of good times, always carried the smoky sweetness of her legendary barbecue. While her ribs were the undisputed star, her baked beans were a close second – a medley of textures and flavors that perfectly captured the essence of Southern comfort. These Neely’s Barbecue Baked Beans bring back those memories with every bite.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Yield: Approximately 10 cups
• Dietary Type: Not specified – contains meat and potentially non-gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 (28 ounce) cans baked beans
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup molasses
• ¾ cup chopped pork or beef brisket
• Neelys BBQ Seasoning (use ⅓ cup)
  • 1 ½ cups paprika
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 3 ¾ tablespoons onion powder
• Neelys BBQ Sauce (use 1 cup)
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 5 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 5 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
  • ½ tablespoon onion powder
  • ½ tablespoon ground mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Equipment Needed

• Large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with lid
• Large saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Prepare the Neelys BBQ Sauce: In a large saucepan, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients: ketchup, water, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, sugar, fresh ground black pepper, onion powder, ground mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Bring the BBQ sauce mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour and 15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. Set aside 1 cup for the baked beans and reserve the rest for other uses. Yields approximately 3 1/2 cups.
4. Prepare the Neelys BBQ Seasoning: In a bowl, combine the paprika, sugar, and onion powder. Stir until thoroughly combined. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. You will only need 1/3 cup for this recipe.
5. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
6. Sauté the red bell pepper, onion, and garlic until softened, about 2 minutes. This step releases their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the beans.
7. Add the baked beans, the prepared 1 cup of Neely’s BBQ Sauce, ⅓ cup of Neely’s BBQ Seasoning, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup molasses, and ¾ cup chopped pork or beef brisket to the Dutch oven.
8. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in the preheated oven.
10. Bake for 45 minutes. The low temperature and long cooking time allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the beans to become incredibly tender.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Smoke it up: For an extra layer of smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the beans. Be cautious, as too much can overwhelm the other flavors.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ seasoning or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beans.
• Meat options: While pork or beef brisket are traditional, you can experiment with other smoked meats like pulled pork or even bacon.
• Make it ahead: These baked beans are fantastic made ahead of time. The flavors actually improve as they sit. Prepare them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Thickening the sauce: If your beans seem too watery after baking, remove the lid for the last 15 minutes of cooking time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Neely’s Barbecue Baked Beans are the perfect side dish for any barbecue feast. Serve them alongside grilled ribs, burgers, chicken, or pulled pork sandwiches. They’re also a great addition to potlucks and picnics.

To store leftovers, let the beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the beans in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated values, may vary based on specific ingredients used)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	12g	18%
Saturated Fat	4g	20%
Cholesterol	30mg	10%
Sodium	900mg	39%
Total Carbohydrate	75g	25%
Dietary Fiber	10g	40%
Sugars	45g	N/A
Protein	15g	30%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian/Vegan: To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, omit the pork or beef brisket. You can substitute with smoked tofu or tempeh for a similar smoky flavor. Ensure the Worcestershire sauce used in the BBQ sauce is vegan-friendly.
• Spicier Beans: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sautéed vegetables for a kick.
• Different Beans: While the recipe calls for standard baked beans, you can experiment with other types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or even black beans, for a different flavor and texture.
• Sweetener Swap: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a slightly different sweetness profile.
• Slow Cooker Version: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply sauté the vegetables, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use canned BBQ sauce instead of making my own?
A: While you can, the homemade BBQ sauce really elevates the flavor of these beans. If you’re short on time, look for a high-quality BBQ sauce with a complex flavor profile.

Q: Can I double or triple this recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up or down depending on your needs. Just be sure to use a pot large enough to accommodate all of the ingredients.

Q: What kind of pork is best to use?
A: Pulled pork or chopped smoked pork shoulder works best. You can often find pre-cooked pulled pork at your local grocery store.

Q: Can I freeze these beans?
A: Yes, these beans freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Q: Are these beans gluten-free?
A: This depends on the ingredients used. Check the label of your baked beans and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Neely’s Barbecue Baked Beans are more than just a side dish; they’re a taste of Southern hospitality and a celebration of simple, flavorful ingredients. I urge you to give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a comforting meal, these beans are sure to be a hit. Feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking and let me know what you think in the comments below. Pair them with your favorite grilled meats and a refreshing glass of iced tea for the ultimate Southern experience!