If there’s one side dish that never fails to steal the spotlight at a backyard barbecue or potluck, it’s Georgia’s Loaded Baked Beans. This Southern-inspired classic is more than just beans in sauce—it’s a hearty, smoky, and slightly sweet masterpiece packed with crispy bacon, tender beans, and a rich, tangy sauce.
Whether you’re serving ribs hot off the smoker or just want something cozy alongside roasted chicken, these loaded baked beans bring comfort and flavor in every spoonful.
Why This Recipe Works
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Bacon makes everything better – smoky, salty, and crispy bits throughout.
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Three types of beans for great texture and flavor depth.
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Rich, homemade sauce with just the right balance of sweet and tangy.
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Perfect for feeding a crowd– makes a big batch and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
You’ll need:
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1 pound bacon, diced
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1 large onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 (28 oz) cans pork and beans
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1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
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½ cup barbecue sauce
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¼ cup ketchup
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¼ cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine the Beans
In a large baking dish or Dutch oven, add the cooked bacon, sautéed onion and garlic, pork and beans, kidney beans, and black beans.
4. Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the bean mixture and stir well to combine.
5. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
6. Serve
Let the beans cool slightly before serving. The flavors deepen as they sit, so leftovers are even better the next day.
Recipe Tips & Variations
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Spice it up – Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for a kick.
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Make it meaty – Stir in pulled pork or crumbled sausage for a full meal.
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Slow cooker option – Combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours.
What to Serve with Georgia’s Loaded Baked Beans
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BBQ ribs or pulled pork sandwiches
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Grilled chicken or smoked sausage
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Cornbread or buttery biscuits
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Fresh coleslaw for a cool contrast
Final Bite: Georgia’s Loaded Baked Beans are proof that a humble side dish can be the star of the table. Rich, smoky, and satisfying, they’re the perfect companion to any summer cookout or cozy winter dinner.