There’s nothing quite like cooking over an open flame, surrounded by nature, and sharing a delicious meal with friends and family. Campfire baked beans bring an incredible depth of flavor to any camping adventure with their rich, smoky taste and hearty ingredients. Whether you’re a camping enthusiast or just love the idea of cooking outside, this campfire baked beans recipe is a must-try. With minimal prep and easy steps, this dish will become a favorite at every camping trip.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 cans of navy or pinto beans – drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of bacon – chopped and cooked
- 1 large onion – diced
- ½ cup of barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup of ketchup
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon of molasses – optional for added depth
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a delicious, thick, and sweet sauce with smoky undertones that pair perfectly with the beans. Adjust the sugar or spice levels to suit your taste!
Cooking Steps
1. Prepare the Campfire or Grill
Make sure your fire has been burning for a while so you’re cooking over embers, not high flames. You want steady heat to cook the beans without burning.
2. Start with the Bacon
Using a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. This can be done on a grill grate over the fire. The bacon fat will add flavor and prevent sticking, so don’t drain it away!
3. Add the Onion
Add the diced onion to the bacon and cook until it’s soft and golden brown. The onion will absorb the smoky flavors from the campfire, making the beans even tastier.
4. Mix in the Beans and Sauces
Add the rinsed beans, barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together to create a well-mixed, thick sauce. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Let It Simmer
Place a lid on your skillet or Dutch oven and let the beans simmer over low heat for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The flavors will blend, and the sauce will thicken to perfection.
6. Enjoy Your Campfire Baked Beans
Once the beans are thick and bubbling, they’re ready to serve. Grab a spoon, dish out generous servings, and enjoy the smoky, rich flavors by the campfire!
Campfire baked beans are the perfect complement to other campfire classics like grilled hot dogs or toasted bread. Plus, the leftovers make for a delicious addition to breakfast the next morning.
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Happy camping and happy cooking!
