Easy Baked Beans Recipe for BBQs, Picnics, and Family Dinners

Baked beans are a popular and comforting dish made from navy beans slowly cooked in a savory or sweet sauce. Traditionally, the sauce includes ingredients like tomatoes, brown sugar, molasses, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful taste. Baked beans are enjoyed worldwide and are especially popular in American and British cuisines. In the U.S., they are often served as a side dish at barbecues and family gatherings, while in the U.K., they are commonly enjoyed on toast for breakfast or a quick meal. They are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them both delicious and nutritious. Easy to prepare and versatile, baked beans can be homemade or conveniently enjoyed from a can, offering comfort in every bite.

Image: Baked Beans

• Bacon: 8 slices, halved
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Green Bell Pepper: 1/2 medium, chopped
• Canned Beans: 3 (28 oz) cans pork and beans (or your preferred type)
• Barbecue Sauce: 3/4 cup
• Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup
• Distilled White or Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup
• Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon

1. Preheat the Oven: Adjust the oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat to 325°F (163°C).
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large, deep sauté pan, fry the bacon over medium-low heat until it has partially cooked and released about 1/4 cup of drippings. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the canned beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 13×9 inch (or similar size) ovenproof dish. Top with the reserved bacon pieces.
6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 2 hours or until bubbly and thickened to a syrupy consistency.
7. Serve: Let stand for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken further.

Image: Baked Beans

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté the onions in olive oil.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preferences.

This recipe yields a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own! Enjoy your homemade baked beans!

To make baked beans from scratch without using canned beans, you’ll need to start with dried beans and prepare a flavorful sauce. Here’s a straightforward recipe that combines traditional ingredients for a delicious result.

Image: Baked Beans

• Dried Beans: 1 pound of navy beans (or any preferred variety)
• Bacon: 6 slices, cut into pieces (optional for a smoky flavor)
• Onion: 1 cup, diced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Tomato Puree: 1 cup
• Brown Sugar: 1/3 cup (adjust for sweetness)
• Molasses: 1/3 cup
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
• Yellow Mustard: 2 tablespoons
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Water or Stock: enough to cover the beans during cooking

1. Soak the Beans: Rinse the dried beans and soak them in water overnight. This helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
2. Cook the Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. In a large pot, cover the beans with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Drain and reserve some cooking liquid.
3. Prepare the bacon and vegetables (if using): In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot. Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional minute. Then, stir in the tomato puree, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Add Beans: Fold in the cooked beans along with some of the reserved bean liquid (or stock) until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Cover the pot with a lid or foil and bake for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. If it looks dry, add more reserved liquid as needed.
7. Finish Cooking: Remove the cover for the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to thicken.
8. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm.

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté onions in olive oil instead.
• You can customize the flavor by adding spices like smoked paprika or chili powder for extra depth.

This method yields rich, flavorful baked beans that are perfect for any meal! Enjoy your homemade creation!

Image: baked beans

• Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the amount of brown sugar or any sweetener in your recipe. If a recipe calls for 1/2 cup, try reducing it to 1/4 cup or even less, depending on your taste preferences.
• Substitute Sweeteners: Instead of using traditional sweeteners like brown sugar or molasses, you can switch to less sweet alternatives such as honey or maple syrup, which might provide a different flavor profile without as much sweetness.

• Add Acidity: Incorporate acidic ingredients like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. This can help balance out the sweetness by adding a tangy flavor. Start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
• Spices and Seasonings: Increase the use of spices like black pepper, cumin, or cayenne pepper to add depth and heat, which can counteract sweetness. Adding finely chopped jalapeños can also introduce a spicy kick.

• Increase Vegetables: Add more savory vegetables such as onions, garlic, or bell peppers. These can enhance the overall flavor profile without adding sweetness.
• Use Tomato Products: Incorporate tomato paste or diced tomatoes to add acidity and richness. This can help balance the sweetness while enhancing the overall flavor of the beans.

Simmer Longer: Allowing the beans to simmer longer can help concentrate flavors and reduce sweetness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking

Image: Baked Beans

Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for brown sugar in baked beans, but there are some important adjustments to consider for optimal results.

• Maple Syrup: When substituting maple syrup for brown sugar, use about 3443 cups of maple syrup for every 1 cup of brown sugar. Since maple syrup is a liquid, you’ll need to reduce the other liquids in your recipe by about 3 to 4 tablespoons to maintain the right consistency
• Honey: Similarly, when using honey instead of brown sugar, use 3443​ cups of honey for every 1 cup of brown sugar. You will also need to reduce other liquids in the recipe by a similar amount to compensate for the added moisture from the honey

Both honey and maple syrup will impart their unique flavors to the baked beans. Maple syrup will add a distinct maple flavor, while honey will provide a floral sweetness. If you prefer a more neutral flavor, consider using a lighter honey or adjusting the amount based on your taste preference.

• Keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners may affect the texture and cooking time slightly. Monitor the consistency of your baked beans during cooking; if they appear too dry, you can add a bit of water or stock as needed.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar in your baked beans while achieving a delicious flavor profile.