Updated on October 4th, 2025
When you want a side dish that is hearty and full of flavor, this spicy baked beans recipe is always a reliable choice. It starts with canned baked beans, but the addition of onion, bell pepper, and sausage makes it taste homemade. A mix of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices gives the beans just the right balance of sweet and spicy. Since it bakes slowly in the oven, the flavors come together into a dish that works for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or even game day gatherings.
Why this recipe works
- Rich flavor: The combination of canned baked beans with sausage, onion, and bell pepper creates depth that tastes far more complex than the simple base.
- Simple process: Using canned beans keeps the recipe easy, saving time while still allowing you to create a flavorful side dish with little effort.
- Balanced spice: Chili powder, garlic, and a touch of cayenne add heat that blends with sweetness from brown sugar for a satisfying contrast.
- Crowd appeal: Baked beans are always a favorite at cookouts or potlucks, and this spicy version gives everyone something more exciting to enjoy.
- Flexible choice: You can use spicy sausage for extra kick or switch to regular sausage while adjusting seasonings to suit your taste.
Serving suggestions
- Cookout side: Pair these spicy baked beans with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or chicken to round out a backyard barbecue spread.
- Fish dinner: Serve them with fried or baked fish, since the sweetness and spice of the beans balance perfectly with the crisp fish.
- Game day food: Make a large pot for football season gatherings, and let guests scoop the beans alongside wings, chips, and dips.
- Family meal: Add them as a side dish to roasted chicken or pork chops to create a comforting dinner that fills the table.
- Potluck dish: Bring the beans to parties or church dinners, since they can stay warm easily and feed a large group without much effort.
Spicy baked beans recipe
Spicy baked beans recipe with sausage, peppers, and brown sugar bakes into a hearty side dish great for barbecues or family dinners.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 (28 ounces) can baked beans with pork
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
- 4 links spicy pork sausage (cut into chunks)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons vinegar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt (to taste)
- 1 dash cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a Dutch oven or casserole dish that can be covered with an oven-safe lid, combine baked beans, onion, green bell pepper, and sausage links. Season with chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic powder, and salt. Add cayenne pepper if desired. Mix well.
- Cover and place into the oven and bake for one hour at 350 degrees.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 242
- Sugar: 27.5 g
- Sodium: 1054.4 mg
- Fat: 8.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38.5 g
- Protein: 5.1 g
- Cholesterol: 15.2 mg