Smoky Pork and Beans on the Grill

A Backyard Favorite Made Even Better Over Fire

Grilled pork and beans aren’t just a side—they’re the unsung hero of any backyard barbecue. This version dials up the flavor with smoky chipotle, brown sugar sweetness, and a generous topping of crisped bacon. Whether you’re using a gas grill or charcoal, the results are bold, savory, and totally addictive.

🥣 Ingredients

• 5 (15-ounce) cans of cannellini beans, drained

• 5 tablespoons dried onion flakes

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon chipotle powder

• ½ cup light brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 2 cups ketchup

• 1 cup water

• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• ½ cup BBQ sauce

• Chopped bacon (amount to your liking)

🔥 Grilling Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 300°F.

2. In a large half-size deep aluminum foil pan (doubling up two pans helps with weight and sturdiness), combine all ingredients except the bacon.

3. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices and sauce.

4. Sprinkle chopped bacon generously over the top of the bean mixture.

5. Place the pan on the grill away from direct heat (indirect cooking zone).

6. Close the lid and cook for 45 minutes.

7. After 45 minutes, toss a few cherry wood chunks onto the coals or into your smoker box for added smokiness.

8. Continue cooking until the bacon is browned and fully cooked. Total time typically runs around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

9. Remove the pan from the grill and let the beans cool slightly before serving. The sauce will thicken as it rests.

Pork and Beans

🔧 Gas Grill Method for Pork and Beans

Set your grill to 300°F, using indirect heat. For a 3-burner grill, turn on the outer burners and leave the center one off.
Place the pan of beans over the unlit section.
If you have a smoker box, add cherry wood chunks to it during the last 15–20 minutes.
Close the lid and let the beans bubble and thicken while the bacon crisps on top.

Baked Beans on the grill

🔥 Charcoal Grill Method for Pork and Beans

Light charcoal and bank it to one side of the grill to create a two-zone fire (direct and indirect heat).
Place the pan of beans on the cool side of the grill.
Close the lid and maintain a grill temperature around 300°F.
After 45 minutes, toss a few cherry wood chunks directly onto the coals.
Cook until the bacon is done and the sauce has reduced slightly.

🧠 Tips for Success

• Double pan it – Two foil pans nested together help support the weight and prevent buckling.

• Customize your heat – Add more chipotle or even fresh jalapeño if you like a kick.

• Don’t rush the cook – Low and slow gives the sauce time to thicken and the flavors to meld.

• Let it rest – The beans will set up beautifully after a short rest off the grill.

Baked Beans with Bacon

Smoky, tangy, and rich with sweet and spicy flavor, these grilled pork and beans are a cookout essential. They pair perfectly with everything from smoked ribs to grilled hot dogs—and might just steal the spotlight.

If you liked this recipe for Pork and Beans on the grill by Sear Marks don’t hesitate to check out these other awesome BBQ side dishes!

Grilled Corn Salsa Verde

Grilled Zucchini

Print Recipe

Pork and Beans

By searmarks – Serves: 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes – Cooking Time: 1 hr 30 minutes

The classic side dish pork and beans. Smoked pork, cannelloni beans and a tangy sauce combine to form a fantastic summer side dish.

Ingredients

• 5 15 ounce cans of cannellini beans
• 5 tablespoons of dried onion flakes
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 cups of ketchup
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup bbq sauce
• chopped bacon

Instructions

1

Preheat the grill to 300 degrees

2

Combine beans and all other ingredients except bacon and put in 1/2 size deep aluminum foil pan. I actually like to double up and use 2 pans to help with the weight.

3

After mixing all ingredients, sprinkle bacon on top of beans

4

Place the pan on the grill away from the direct heat.

5

After 45 minutes add a few more cherry wood chunks.

6

Take off the grill once the pork on top is fully cooked.

7

Let sit and cool before serving.