Baked Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Beans are a classic, hearty side dish that’s packed with flavor. With their rich, smoky, and slightly sweet taste, these baked beans are the perfect complement to grilled meats, burgers, or a hearty BBQ feast. This recipe is simple, yet it delivers a savory, satisfying dish that’s always a hit at gatherings.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

canned navy beans or pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
bacon (chopped)
yellow onion (diced)
garlic (minced)
brown sugar
ketchup
molasses
apple cider vinegar
yellow mustard
Worcestershire sauce
salt
black pepper

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté in the bacon fat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed beans, bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Transfer the bean mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar sized oven-safe dish.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and caramelize.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beans.
Add diced bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
Use maple syrup instead of molasses for a slightly different sweetness.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil or vegetable broth instead.

storage/reheating

Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use dry beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook the beans before using them in the recipe. Be sure to cook them until tender before baking.

Can I make these baked beans ahead of time?
Yes, these beans can be made a day ahead. Just let them cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat them in the oven or stovetop when ready to serve.

What kind of beans should I use?
Navy beans or pinto beans work best for this recipe, but you can also use kidney beans or black beans for a twist.

Can I make these baked beans in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After sautéing the bacon and onions, simply combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2 hours.

Can I make them sweeter or more savory?
Adjust the brown sugar, molasses, and mustard to your preference to make them as sweet or tangy as you like.

Can I add meat other than bacon?
Yes, you can use sausage, ham, or ground beef for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Baked Beans are a classic, comforting side dish that adds depth of flavor to any meal. Whether served at a BBQ, family dinner, or holiday feast, these beans are a crowd-pleaser with their smoky, sweet, and savory taste. Simple to make and full of flavor, they’re a great addition to any gathering!

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