Anabelle The Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo is a rich, smoky, and flavorful twist on a classic barbecue side dish. The addition of spicy chorizo brings a depth of flavor and a hint of heat that complements the sweetness of the beans perfectly.
Slow-baked until thick and caramelized, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser — ideal for summer cookouts, potlucks, or cozy weekend dinners. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish and bold enough to stand out beside grilled meats.
A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo
This baked bean recipe takes the traditional version to new heights by adding Spanish-style chorizo sausage, smoky bacon, onions, and a tangy-sweet sauce made with molasses, brown sugar, and mustard. Everything bakes together until bubbly and perfectly glazed, filling your kitchen with a savory aroma that’s impossible to resist.
Other Popular Pioneer Woman Recipes
Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying
- Smoky and Savory Depth – Chorizo adds a rich, meaty flavor.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness – The sauce combines brown sugar, molasses, and mustard beautifully.
- Feeds a Crowd – Great for parties, barbecues, and family dinners.
- Versatile Dish – Works as a side or main course.
- Easy to Customize – Adjust spice levels or sweetness to your taste.
Essential Ingredients for This Recipe
- 1 lb chorizo sausage (casings removed)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Useful Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it starts to render fat and turn crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving a small amount of bacon grease in the pan.
Step 3: Brown the chorizo
Add the chorizo to the same skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove excess grease if needed.
Step 4: Sauté the onions
In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. The onions will absorb the smoky flavor from the bacon and chorizo.
Step 5: Combine the sauce ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 6: Assemble the baked beans
Add the beans, cooked bacon, chorizo, and onions to the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 7: Bake the beans
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish or Dutch oven. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until thick, bubbly, and slightly caramelized on top.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Let the baked beans rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or crispy bacon bits if desired.
What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)
- Too Sweet: Reduced brown sugar slightly to balance the savory flavors.
- Watery Texture: Baked 10 minutes longer for a thicker consistency.
- Overly Salty: Used low-sodium beans and adjusted seasoning at the end.
- Dry Chorizo: Added a little broth to keep the mixture moist during baking.
Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo
- Use turkey bacon instead of pork for less fat.
- Swap regular chorizo for chicken or soy chorizo.
- Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or honey.
- Choose low-sodium beans and sauces to cut down on salt.
- Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra vegetables.
Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo
- Beans Substitute: Black beans or kidney beans work well too.
- Chorizo Substitute: Use Italian sausage or andouille for a milder flavor.
- Molasses Substitute: Dark corn syrup or honey.
- Dijon Mustard Substitute: Yellow mustard for a sharper bite.
- Worcestershire Substitute: Soy sauce with a splash of vinegar.
Unexpected Ways to Enjoy This Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo
- As a Main Dish: Serve with crusty bread or rice.
- Over Toast: Classic British-style comfort meal.
- With Eggs: Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
- In Tacos: Spoon into tortillas with cheese and onions.
- As a BBQ Side: Pair with grilled ribs, burgers, or chicken.
Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo Success
- Use Quality Chorizo: It’s the star ingredient — opt for smoky, flavorful sausage.
- Bake Uncovered: Helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before baking to find your perfect balance.
- Stir Midway: Ensures even cooking and caramelization.
- Rest Before Serving: Thickens the sauce and enhances flavor.
- Make Ahead: The flavors deepen overnight — great for next-day serving.
Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo
- Add Peppers: Diced jalapeños or bell peppers for a pop of flavor.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar or Monterey Jack before serving.
- Smoky BBQ Version: Add a spoonful of barbecue sauce for extra depth.
- Bourbon Kick: Stir in a splash of bourbon for a Southern twist.
- Sweet Heat: Mix honey and hot sauce for a spicy-sweet glaze.
Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Label Containers: Note the date for freshness.
- Thaw Overnight: Let thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Ways to Warm It Up Again
- Stovetop: Reheat on low, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Oven: Warm at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat single servings in 45-second intervals, stirring in between.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo Recipe
This baked bean recipe takes the traditional version to new heights by adding Spanish-style chorizo sausage, smoky bacon, onions, and a tangy-sweet sauce made with molasses, brown sugar, and mustard. Everything bakes together until bubbly and perfectly glazed, filling your kitchen with a savory aroma that’s impossible to resist.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
1 lb chorizo sausage (casings removed)
-
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
-
1 small onion, finely diced
-
3 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
-
¾ cup ketchup
-
¼ cup molasses
-
¼ cup brown sugar
-
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
-
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the ingredients.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it starts to render fat and turn crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving a small amount of bacon grease in the pan.
Add the chorizo to the same skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove excess grease if needed.
In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. The onions will absorb the smoky flavor from the bacon and chorizo.
In a large bowl, whisk together ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add the beans, cooked bacon, chorizo, and onions into the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish or Dutch oven. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until thick, bubbly, and slightly caramelized on top.
Let the baked beans rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or crispy bacon bits if desired.
FAQs
Can I use canned baked beans instead of plain beans?
Yes, you can. Simply reduce the sauce ingredients slightly since canned baked beans are already seasoned and sweetened. Adjust the taste before baking.
Can I make Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving for the freshest flavor.
What kind of chorizo works best for this recipe?
Both Spanish (smoked) and Mexican (fresh) chorizo work well. Spanish chorizo adds a smoky, cured flavor, while Mexican chorizo gives a spicier, saucier finish.
How do I thicken baked beans if they’re too runny?
Bake uncovered for an extra 10–15 minutes or simmer on the stovetop until the sauce reduces and thickens naturally.
Wrapping It Up
The Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo recipe turns a classic dish into something extraordinary. With the smoky depth of chorizo, sweet and tangy sauce, and tender beans, it’s comfort food at its best. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or family dinners, this recipe is hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Serve it warm with cornbread or grilled meats for a meal that everyone will remember.
