Four Pepper BBQ Beans: A Sweet and Tangy Southwestern Side Dish
Total Time: 1 hour (Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes)
Servings: 6
Category: Black Beans
Keywords: Beans, Southwestern U.S., Potluck, < 60 Mins, Easy
Description
These Four Pepper BBQ Beans are the perfect addition to any cookout or potluck, offering a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and peppery flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds. The use of canned beans makes the preparation quick and easy, giving you more time to enjoy the party. With a mix of peppers, molasses, and smoky spices, these beans are hearty, flavorful, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (8 oz) |
| Ketchup | 1/4 cup |
| Red wine vinegar | 1/3 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Molasses | 1/4 cup |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Honey | 1 tbsp |
| Dried ancho chile powder | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Liquid smoke | 1 tsp |
| Black beans (canned) | 2 cans (15 oz each) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 575.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g |
| Sugars | 20.5 g |
| Protein | 2.1 g |
Instructions
-
Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they turn golden brown and aromatic, about 5 minutes. -
Simmer Tomatoes and Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato sauce to the pan. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify. -
Stir in the Remaining Ingredients
Next, incorporate the ketchup, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Add the molasses, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, honey, ancho chile powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and liquid smoke. Stir everything until well combined. -
Add the Beans
Rinse and drain the black beans, then add them to the saucepan. Stir to combine the beans with the sauce and spices. -
Simmer on Low Heat
Lower the heat to low and let the beans cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the beans are coated in the delicious BBQ sauce. The longer you let them simmer, the more the flavors will develop, so if you have time, let them cook even longer. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once the beans have reached your desired consistency, serve them hot. These beans pair perfectly with grilled meats, cornbread, or any of your favorite summer sides.
Tips and Variations
- Make it Spicy: If you like heat, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to give the beans a little extra kick.
- Slow Cooker Version: For a hands-off approach, you can transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Vegetarian: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, these beans can stand alone as a hearty side dish or even a main, especially when paired with a fresh salad.
Why You’ll Love These Four Pepper BBQ Beans
These beans bring together a variety of flavors from the tanginess of vinegar and mustard to the smokiness of liquid smoke and the sweet depth of molasses and brown sugar. The ancho chile powder and cayenne pepper provide a mild warmth that makes this dish satisfying without overpowering the taste buds. Plus, they’re easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends spent with family and friends.
Serve these beans at your next potluck or cookout, and watch them disappear in no time!
Enjoy your Four Pepper BBQ Beans and let the flavors of the Southwestern U.S. shine at your next gathering!
