Introduction

If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful side dish, these Kansas-style BBQ baked beans with smoked sausage are perfect for your next cookout. Using the Arteflame grill, we’ll infuse rich, smoky flavors into the beans and sausage directly on the flat cooktop. No pots or pans needed—just pure grilled perfection. You’ll love how the sausage gets a steakhouse-quality sear while the beans absorb the smoky aroma from the fire. Let’s fire up the grill and get started!

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build. The grill will be ready for cooking in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Sear the smoked sausage

1. Place the sliced smoked sausage on the center grill grate.
2. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side, locking in those juices with a perfect crust.
3. Move the sausage to the flat cooktop to continue cooking.

Step 3: Cook the vegetables

1. Add butter to the flat cooktop.
2. Toss in diced onions and bell peppers.
3. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Combine and simmer

1. Move the sausage and veggies toward the outer cooktop where it’s slightly cooler.
2. Pour the baked beans directly onto the cooktop.
3. Stir in barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix everything together and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

1. Once the beans are hot and slightly thickened, remove from the grill.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• Use a hickory or oak wood fire for a deeper, smokier flavor.
• Butter gives a richer taste than oil—always use butter for the best results.
• Adjust the heat by moving ingredients closer or further from the center grill grate.
• Remove the sausage from the grill when its internal temp is 15°F below doneness, as it will continue cooking.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick: Add 1 diced jalapeño and a teaspoon of hot sauce for extra heat.
2. Sweet & Smoky: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.
3. Tex-Mex Style: Stir in black beans, corn, and cumin for a southwestern twist.
4. Bacon Lover’s: Top with crispy grilled bacon for even more smoky richness.
5. Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving.

Conclusion

Kansas-style BBQ baked beans with smoked sausage are the perfect addition to any barbecue. Cooking this dish on the Arteflame grill not only enhances the flavors but also allows you to grill everything at once with ease. With its perfect heat control and no-burn surface, every bite is smoky, savory, and rich in barbecue goodness. Try this recipe at your next backyard cookout!

Best pairings

• Grilled Kansas City-style ribs
• Butter-seared cornbread
• Smoky grilled vegetables
• Ice-cold Kansas wheat beer