February 7, 2024
Review RecipeEasy Baked Beans
The flavorful combination of BBQ sauce and brown sugar makes these baked beans a favorite side dish for any cookout or family meal.
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
- Baked Bean Recipe Ingredients
- Oven Baked Beans Substitutions And Additions
- How to make the Best Baked Beans Recipe
- How To Serve This Recipe For Baked Beans
- Easy Baked Beans Storage
- This Is The Best Baked Beans Recipe!
- Baked Beans Recipe FAQs
- More Recipes You’ll Love
- JUMP TO RECIPE
- Even More Recipes You’ll Love
This baked beans recipe gives you an easy way to make flavorful baked beans in the oven, using classic ingredients like BBQ sauce and bacon. The sweet and smoky flavor is so good it’ll taste like they were made completely from scratch!
Baked Bean Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1 pound of bacon, about 36 regular strips
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- ¼ cup of ketchup
- ½ cup of barbecue sauce
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 4 (14 ounces each) cans of pork and beans, or any can size that will give you 56 ounces
Oven Baked Beans Substitutions And Additions
BEANS: I find that using Bush’s Best Original Baked Beans makes it super easy and provides great flavor, but you can use a different brand, such as Heinz beans or something homemade if you prefer.
Some people enjoy beans that have maple syrup added, and those would work fine as well.
BBQ SAUCE: I tend to use Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce because it’s usually what I have on hand. But you can use any brand that you like or even make a homemade BBQ sauce of your own.
Another option would be to use chili sauce with dark brown sugar and forego the BBQ sauce altogether. If you like spicy beans, you can also use a spicier BBQ sauce.
ONIONS: The onions are totally optional in this baked bean recipe. I am aware that not everyone is a fan, so if that’s you, you can certainly leave the onions out on this one.
How to make the Best Baked Beans Recipe
STEP ONE: Preheat oven to 350°F.
STEP TWO: In a large 12-inch frying pan, cook the bacon slices.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Bacon can be easily cooked in the oven. Line a pan with 2 layers of foil, lay the bacon on top of it, place in a cold oven, and turn the oven on to 400°F.
For this recipe, cook the bacon for 18-20 minutes, just until the bacon is browning.
STEP THREE: Remove cooked bacon from the frying pan and chop it into small pieces. Set bacon pieces aside for now.
STEP FOUR: Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the frying pan and discard the rest of the grease.
Cook the onion in the frying pan over medium-high heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
STEP FIVE: Add the ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and bacon to the frying pan and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
STEP SIX: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
STEP SEVEN: Place the 4 cans of beans in the dish and remove ½ cup of the liquid that came out of the cans. Add in all the contents of the frying pan. Stir well to mix.
How Long To Cook Baked Beans In Oven?
STEP EIGHT: Place the lid or aluminum foil over the baking dish and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the cover after 45 minutes and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
PRO TIP:
If you are making baked beans in the summer and want to keep the house from overheating when turning on the oven, you can also make your baked beans on the grill.
Just place them on the grill next to whatever meat is cooking, and let them cook the whole time the meat is on.
STEP NINE: Let sit for 20 minutes before serving to give the sauce a chance to thicken a bit.
How To Serve This Recipe For Baked Beans
What Goes With Baked Beans?
This recipe goes well with so many main dishes. Burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken are all great choices.
Fried chicken or popcorn chicken are also classic options.
Add macaroni salad or potato salad and dinner rolls with the best baked beans recipe, and you have an amazing meal.
Wondering what goes well with this perfect side dish? We have you covered. These recipes for crockpot ranch pork chops and sloppy Joes are both so simple and make the perfect pair with this classic dish.
What Meat Goes With Homemade Baked Beans?
Ribs, pulled pork, hot dogs, or hamburgers are all delicious served with baked beans.
MORE SIDE DISH RECIPES
Easy Baked Beans Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Storing baked beans in the fridge is as simple as placing them in an airtight container made of plastic or glass.
The maximum shelf life for canned beans after opening them is about 3 to 4 days. This is the same for your baked beans.
IN THE FREEZER: Since baked beans are a great side for crowds, you may find yourself with more leftovers than you’d like.
Baked beans can be frozen and saved for a later date. Make sure the beans are completely cooled, then place them in an airtight container in the freezer for 1 to 2 months.
This Is The Best Baked Beans Recipe!
Nothing beats the hearty, delicious side dish of baked beans for a summer cookout, game day, family dinner, or the next potluck.
This recipe offers an easy way to make homemade baked beans in the oven using classic ingredients. It’s a simple way to enhance a can of baked beans and add loads of flavor to a true favorite!
Baked Beans Recipe FAQs
Can I cook baked beans in a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Making baked beans in the oven or the slow cooker is fine. Whichever option is your preferred way to cook them will produce a delicious side dish.
Can I freeze baked beans?
You can freeze baked beans. Let them cool completely and then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
What is the best brand of canned beans for this recipe?
There really isn’t one brand that is better than the other. In this recipe, we use Bush’s Best Original Baked Beans, but you could use whichever brand you prefer or can easily get at the grocery store.
Do you cover baked beans in the oven?
For the beans to cook evenly, it is best to cover the pan with aluminum foil.
What kind of beans are baked beans?
The beans used in baked beans are generally navy beans.
What’s the difference between baked beans and Boston baked beans?
Traditional baked bean recipes use brown sugar to sweeten the tomato-based sauce, while Boston baked beans use molasses to add sweetness to the dish.
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Recipe for Baked Beans
The flavorful combination of BBQ sauce and brown sugar makes these baked beans a favorite side dish for any cookout or family meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon, about 36 regular strips
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 4 cans pork and beans (14-ounces cans or enough to give you 56 ounces)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large (12-inch) frying pan, cook bacon.
- Remove cooked bacon from the frying pan and chop into small pieces. Set bacon aside for now. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the frying pan and discard the rest of the grease.
- Cook onion in the frying pan over medium-high heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add in ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and bacon to the frying pan and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the 4 cans of beans in the dish and remove ½ cup of the liquid that came out of the cans. Add in all the contents of the frying pan. Stir well to mix.
- Place the lid or aluminum foil over the baking dish and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove cover after 45 minutes and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let sit for 20 minutes before serving to give the sauce a chance to thicken a bit.
Video
Notes
- Bacon can be easily cooked in the oven. Line a pan with 2 layers of foil, lay the bacon on top of it, place in a cold oven, and turn the oven on to 400°F. For this recipe, cook the bacon for 18 to 20 minutes, just until the bacon is browning.
- If you are making baked beans in the summer and want to keep the house from overheating when turning on the oven, you can also make your baked beans on the grill. Just place them on the grill next to whatever meat is cooking, and let them cook the whole time the meat is on.
Nutrition
Calories: 758kcal | Carbohydrates: 105g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 2336mg | Potassium: 1463mg | Fiber: 22g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 104IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 239mg | Iron: 7mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
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Comments
Gloria says
Such a classic and it’s amazing homemade!
Tori M. says
Hi Stephanie! Is this okay to make tonight and reheat tomorrow for a party? Or would you suggest making it just before? Thanks for the recipe!
Layne Kangas says
They should be fine to make the night before. Enjoy!
Kim Tilford says
I made this for a family gathering and it was a hit. There was bone left and everyone was asking for the recipe. Easy to make and wonderful. My picky kids want me to make it more often. My new go to.
Joyce Gartz says
I would like to make them and cook in the crock pot. Hoping not to use the grill or the oven. Should I put this on high for 3 hours or low for 6-8?
Layne Kangas says
I haven’t tried making this in my slow cooker yet. I would say to start the bacon on the stove before adding it to the crockpot. Then I’d put it on high for 2-3 hours or low 4-5 hours and watch to make sure how it cooks so it doesn’t overcook or get dry. Enjoy! 🙂
Sherion Martin says
Best Baked Beans I have ever made!! Thanks so much for this recipe! I cut my brown sugar back just a tab. But added another tablespoon of Worcestershire. Worked out great for me.You must try this recipe!! It’s a keeper!
Myka says
Will it still taste good without the bacon?
Layne Kangas says
I haven’t tried it without the bacon, but I’m sure it would still taste ok.
Crystal ONeil says
I also use liquid smoke and cheddar cheese.
Dukediesel says
I grew up on homemade baked beans and these are fantastic. Their name is Boston baked beans but us folks from Texas know how to make them our own. My favorite recipe that is so easy to put together and taste like heaven, if heaven were a bean that is. Thank you for sharing such an old staple delightful recipe for dinner on most nights!
Christy Smith says
Best Ever! Only thing I did different was carmelize the onions (about 3 cups). Absolutely delicious! Thank you for the recipe.
Cheryl says
Made this lots of times now we love it ! I also add green peppers
Linda Jessop says
I made these last night for dinner. They are absolutely the best beans I’ve had. We are having the rest today at dinner.
Terry Lavergne says
Beans look good, smell great, and taste fantastic. Very southern tasting. Cannot go wrong with this recipe!
Layne Kangas says
Yes, you could! Enjoy!
Diane Kreiss says
I make mine like that. The only difference is I also add 1 green bell pepper chopped up to the onion and cook them. Also instead of BBQ sauce I use molasses.
Jackie Clonan says
Perfect❣️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Nothing worse than baked beans that are too wet. These were just the way we love them❣️Funny, I also use the same brands ——Bush’s & Baby Rays. Thanks, new fav❣️
Amanda says
So good! I added about 1 pound browned ground beef
Martha says
Delicious recipe! Everyone loved it and I will add it to my go to file! Thank you!!!
One thing-instead of discarding the bacon grease, I pour it in ice cube trays, freeze and store in mason jars in my freezer to use for sautéing foods in the future. One cube is equal to about 1 tablespoon. Adds great flavor without the fuss!
Jennifer Huff says
Doubled the recipe and took it to a bbq. Loved by absolutely everyone! Will definitely make again!
J. Bruno says
Ho-lee cow!!! Made these for football watching, and this recipe was a huge hit! Everyone, literally everyone loved this dish.
Love having a new recipe in the collection now! Cheers!!
Martha Bailey says
I fix these baked beans all the time. They are the best ever you will eat.
@essentiallymath says
Made this as a side to our Christmas ham. Sooo good! And even better leftover! Thanks
Jean Vaughn says
My husband was talking about how much he loved homemade baked beans….so I started looking for a good recipe and this one is definitely a keeper IT IS VERY GOOD ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Thanks for sharing
Kelly says
First time making baked beans and the entire casserole dish was gone when I served as a side for our Easter gathering. I will make again!
Jean Vaughn says
This is the BEST homemade baked beans…..I make them to take to all our get togethers THANK YOU WE LOVE THEM 😍😍😍😍😍
Kaylan says
Super delicious; super easy. My family LOVED it and everyone said it was the BEST baked beans they’d ever had. Highly recommend. This is a new family staple.
Linda says
Fantastic recipe.. reminds me of my mom’s recipe from our summer days as kids and family picnics!
Michael Souther says
Myron Mixon a great bbq expert in his book adds a can of peach pie filling and 1 pound of ground beef. I usually add these and get raves. Great recipe
Kim says
Yummy!! I can’t wait to make this especially after reading all of the reviews! Can I substitute some of the beans for others if I don’t have 4 cans of pork ‘n beans? Maybe kidneys, pintos or great northerns? Trying to use what I have and not go to the store. 😉 TIA!!!