The Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo recipe is a bold and smoky twist on the classic barbecue favorite. This upgraded version gets its signature depth from spicy chorizo, sweet molasses, smoky bacon, and pantry-friendly beans. The result? A comforting, slow-baked dish that’s rich, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced with heat and smokiness.
Whether you’re planning a summer cookout, hosting a potluck, or craving a cozy weekend meal, this chorizo baked beans recipe is sure to satisfy. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish and flavorful enough to pair beautifully with grilled meats and classic barbecue sides.
A Quick Look at Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo
This elevated Pioneer Woman baked beans recipe features Spanish-style chorizo sausage cooked with onions, crisp bacon, and a tangy-sweet sauce made from ketchup, molasses, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Everything bakes until thick, caramelized, and bubbly—creating a savory aroma that fills the entire kitchen.
If you love smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy dishes, this chorizo baked beans recipe deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky and Savory Depth – Chorizo adds an irresistible kick and enhances the overall flavor.
- Perfect Sweetness – Brown sugar and molasses create a beautifully balanced sauce.
- Crowd-Friendly – Ideal for large gatherings, barbecues, and family dinners.
- Versatile Dish – Serve as a filling main meal or as a standout side.
- Easy to Customize – Adjust the heat, sweetness, or ingredients to match your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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
- Dutch oven or 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove it, leaving behind a little bacon grease.
Step 3: Brown the Chorizo
Add chorizo to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions
Cook the onions in the same skillet until soft and fragrant. They’ll soak up all the smoky goodness.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
Whisk together ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Mix the beans, bacon, chorizo, and onions into the sauce until fully coated.
Step 7: Bake the Beans
Transfer to a greased baking dish or Dutch oven. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until bubbly and caramelized.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the baked beans rest for about 10 minutes. Top with chopped parsley or crisp bacon if desired.
What I Adjusted (and How It Helped)
- Too Sweet? Use slightly less brown sugar.
- Watery Texture? Bake an extra 10 minutes for a thicker finish.
- Too Salty? Choose low-sodium beans or sauces.
- Dry Chorizo? Add a splash of broth while baking.
Healthier Ways to Make This Dish
- Swap pork bacon for turkey bacon.
- Replace chorizo with chicken or soy versions.
- Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar.
- Choose low-sodium Worcestershire sauce.
- Add carrots, peppers, or celery for extra nutrients.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Beans: Black beans or kidney beans.
- Chorizo: Italian sausage or andouille for mild flavor.
- Molasses: Dark corn syrup or honey.
- Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard.
- Worcestershire: Soy sauce + vinegar.
Creative Ways to Serve Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo
- As a Main Dish – Serve with warm bread or steamed rice.
- Over Toast – A delicious British-inspired meal.
- With Eggs – Great for breakfast or brunch.
- In Tacos – Add cheese and onions for a fun twist.
- As a BBQ Side – Perfect with burgers, chicken, ribs, or steak.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use high-quality chorizo for maximum flavor.
- Bake uncovered to allow natural caramelization.
- Taste the sauce before baking to adjust sweetness.
- Stir halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Let the dish rest before serving for a thicker sauce.
- Make ahead—this recipe tastes even better the next day.
Fun Variations
- Add diced jalapeños or bell peppers.
- Melt cheddar or Monterey Jack on top.
- Mix in barbecue sauce for deeper smokiness.
- Add a splash of bourbon for a Southern twist.
- Drizzle with a hot sauce + honey blend for sweet heat.
Storing Your Baked Beans
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months in portion-sized containers.
- Label & Date: Helps track freshness.
- Thaw: Overnight in the fridge.
How to Reheat Baked Beans with Chorizo
- Stovetop: Warm slowly with a splash of broth or water.
- Oven: Heat at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Warm in small intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
Printable Pioneer Woman Baked Beans with Chorizo Recipe
This version of the Pioneer Woman Baked Beans takes the classic to a whole new level with its smoky chorizo, caramelized sauce, and deep, comforting flavor—perfect for any family dinner or gathering.
Also Read: Pioneer woman pecan pie dump cake recipe
