Baked Beans made with a delicious blend of spices, bacon, and onion. These beans are the perfect addition to any BBQ or cookout!
Our Favorite Baked Beans Ever!
Baked beans are a staple at any barbecue or cookout, and for good reason – they are delicious, comforting, and a great way to feed a crowd. But why settle for canned baked beans when you can make your own homemade version?
Homemade Baked Beans are easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and can be tailored to your preferences!
Quick Tip
While baked beans got their name from being baked, we like these beans best slow simmered on the stove top best. If you’d rather bake them, transfer the beans to a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 55-65 minutes at 325 degrees F.
Homemade is Always Best!
Why make your own?
- You can control the level of sweetness, spiciness, or smokiness to your preference.
- You can use different types of beans to include your favorites.
- The quantity of bacon can be easily adjusted or you can add in different types of meat like ham or sausage.
- You can adjust the recipe to fit your dietary needs. Canned beans can be high in sugar and sodium, and may contain preservatives and artificial flavors.
Baked Beans Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients. Choose fresh bacon, onion, and garlic. The quality of the ketchup you use can greatly affect the taste of the sauce. Using a high-quality ketchup (such as Heinz®) will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Use a variety of spices. Dry mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper are our go-to essentials. You can also add other spices like chili powder or cumin to add complexity and a touch of heat.
- Simmer the beans low and slow. Beans should be cooked slowly, on low heat to allow the flavors to meld.
- Adjust the consistency. If the beans are too thick, add a little bit of water or broth to make them the consistency you prefer. Too thin? Simmer for longer or raise the temperature a bit.
- Be patient. Baked Beans need time to develop their flavors. Don’t rush the process– the end result will be worth the wait.
- Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your preference. Since everyone likes different levels of these components, taste and adjust to your taste.
What To Serve With Baked Beans
Baked Beans are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of different foods. Here are a few popular options to consider:
- Grilled meats: Baked Beans are a classic side dish for barbecue and grilled meats like burgers, hot dogs, chicken burgers, grilled chicken, grilled steak, and ribs.
- Sandwiches: Use beans can be used as a spread or topping for sandwiches, such as Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork sandwiches, brisket, or pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches.
- Biscuits or cornbread: Baked beans go well with biscuits or cornbread, which can be used to sop up the flavorful sauce.
- With other side dishes: If you’re serving a whole BBQ spread, serve Baked Beans along with a potato salad, creamy fruit salad, grilled corn on the cob (or Elote), a good chip dip (this cowboy caviar), and a macaroni salad.
Storage
What To Do With Leftovers
Leftover Baked Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. We think they taste even better the next day!
When you’re ready to serve the beans, take them out of the refrigerator and transfer to a pot or microwave-safe dish. If they seem too thick, you can add a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency. You can reheat the beans on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave. When reheating, be mindful to stir the beans frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
Can You Freeze Baked Beans?
Yes, they can be frozen. After they have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to serve them, take them out of the freezer and transfer them to the fridge to thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave. If the beans seem too thick after thawing, you can add a bit of water or chicken/vegetable broth to adjust the consistency.
It’s important to note that freezing and thawing can affect the texture of the beans slightly, making them softer. But, the overall flavor is still delicious!
Baked Beans FAQs
What kind of beans are in Baked Beans?
Navy beans are the most common for baked beans due to their mild flavor and firm texture. Traditional Boston baked beans use navy beans slow-cooked in a sweet, savory sauce of ketchup, brown sugar, and spices. For today’s recipe, use both navy and pinto beans for a delicious flavor balance.
How do you make Baked Beans into a meal?
- Add protein: Mix in cooked ground beef, sausage, diced ham, or chopped chicken.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate sautéed or roasted veggies, onions, or squash.
- Top with an egg: Serve over toast with a fried, poached, or scrambled egg.
- Serve with a salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve over rice: Spoon over cooked rice or quinoa for a filling dish.
- Top with cheese: Add grated or crumbled cheese for creaminess and extra protein.
More BBQ Side Dish Favorites:
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Creamed Corn with bacon
- Macaroni Coleslaw Salad with a creamy dressing
- Teriyaki Chicken Salad with bowtie pasta
- Cornbread Muffins perfectly sweetened!
Baked Beans
Equipment
- Large cast-iron pot
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 6 slices hardwood smoked bacon 5.5 ounces
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion 1 small
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic 3 cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 2 (15.5-ounce) cans navy beans drained and rinsed, see note 1
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans drained and rinsed, see note 1
- 3/4 cup ketchup good quality—I like Heinz
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar lightly packed
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1-1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Finely dice bacon strips and heat oil in a large cast-iron pot over medium-high heat. Cook bacon until nearly cooked through, then add diced onions. Sauté until bacon is crispy and onions are golden, 3–5 minutes.
- In the same pot, add tomato paste, garlic, mustard powder, paprika, and 3/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Stir constantly until fragrant, 2–4 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Simmer beans by bringing to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with lid and cook for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, returning lid after stirring. If beans aren't thickening, slightly increase the heat or remove lid. If beans are bubbling excessively, reduce the heat.
- After an hour, once sauce thickens and beans are tender, remove from heat, adjust salt and pepper if needed, and serve. Enjoy!
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
