Baked Beans
The delightful taste of Baked Beans brings a sweet and savory twist to any meal, making them a perfect companion for cookouts, family dinners, or potlucks. With a rich blend of BBQ sauce and brown sugar, these beans are not just side dishes; they can steal the show! Their versatility allows them to pair well with grilled meats, burgers, or even as a hearty main dish on their own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This baked beans recipe is simple and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy cooks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The irresistible flavors of bacon, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family meals, these beans complement a variety of main dishes.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare these baked beans in advance and simply reheat them before serving.
- Comfort Food: Rich and hearty, these baked beans offer that warm feeling of home-cooked goodness.
Tools and Preparation
To successfully make this baked beans recipe, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 12-inch frying pan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Cooking spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 12-inch frying pan: Ideal for cooking bacon and sautéing onions evenly without overcrowding.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Provides ample space for baking your beans while ensuring even heat distribution.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents your baked beans from sticking to the dish for easy serving and cleanup.
Ingredients
The flavorful combination of BBQ sauce and brown sugar makes these baked beans a favorite side dish for any cookout or family meal.
For the Baked Beans
- 1 pound bacon
- 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
How to Make Baked Beans
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your baked beans cook evenly once they go in.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large (12-inch) frying pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Step 3: Prepare the Onion
Remove cooked bacon from the frying pan and chop it into small pieces. Set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the frying pan; discard any excess grease. Cook the diced onion in the same frying pan over medium-high heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add in ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped bacon to the frying pan. Simmer over low heat for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place the four cans of pork and beans into the dish and remove ½ cup of liquid from the cans. Add all contents from the frying pan into the baking dish. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
Step 6: Bake Your Beans
Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes at 350°F. Afterward, remove the cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Step 7: Let Sit Before Serving
Once done baking, let your baked beans sit for about 20 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken nicely. Enjoy your delicious homemade baked beans!
How to Serve Baked Beans
Baked beans are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They make a delightful addition to any meal, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner.
As a Side Dish
- Pair with grilled meats for a hearty meal.
- Serve alongside cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce.
In Tacos
- Use baked beans as a filling for tacos topped with cheese and fresh salsa.
- Add some avocado for creaminess.
On Toast
- Spread warm baked beans on toasted bread for a simple yet satisfying snack.
- Top with a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs.
With Rice
- Serve over white or brown rice for a filling dish that combines flavors well.
- Add spices to the rice for an extra kick.
As a Dip
- Use baked beans as a base for a delicious dip; serve with tortilla chips.
- Mix in some cheese and bake until bubbly for added flavor.
With Salad
- Serve baked beans atop a fresh green salad for added protein and taste.
- Include ingredients like corn and diced tomatoes for color and crunch.
How to Perfect Baked Beans
Perfecting your baked beans can elevate them from good to unforgettable. Here are some handy tips to consider.
- Choose quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality bacon and sauces for richer flavor.
- Let them sit: Allow the baked beans to rest after cooking; this helps the flavors meld together better.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar based on your personal preference.
- Experiment with spices: Adding smoked paprika or cumin can give your baked beans an exciting twist.
- Use fresh onions: Fresh diced onions provide texture and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Add heat if desired: A pinch of cayenne pepper can add warmth without overpowering the dish.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Beans
Baked beans pair wonderfully with many side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Coleslaw: This crunchy side offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of baked beans.
- Grilled Vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies add both nutrition and vibrancy to your plate.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce from the baked beans.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad complements the savory taste of the beans beautifully.
- Macaroni and Cheese: The cheesy goodness pairs well with the smoky flavors of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes an excellent side, perfect for scooping up those tasty beans.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Their crispy texture adds an interesting element to your meal.
- Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with butter and chives next to your baked beans for comfort food bliss.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baked beans are a beloved dish, but it’s easy to make mistakes during preparation. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid for perfect baked beans every time.
- Using the wrong type of beans: Not all beans are created equal. Stick to pork and beans or great northern beans for the best flavor.
- Overcooking or undercooking: Monitor the cooking time carefully. Overcooked beans can become mushy, while undercooked ones will be hard.
- Skipping the bacon: Bacon adds essential flavor. Don’t skip this ingredient; it enhances the overall taste of your baked beans.
- Not adjusting sweetness: Everyone has different preferences for sweetness. Adjust the brown sugar according to your taste for a more personalized dish.
- Neglecting to let it rest: Allow baked beans to sit after baking. This helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld together beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Beans
- Place cooled baked beans in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Baked Beans
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely. Stir occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Place on low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are in Baked Beans?
Baked beans typically include pork and beans, bacon, onion, BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
How long do Baked Beans take to cook?
The total time for making baked beans is about 85 minutes, including both prep and cooking times.
Can I customize my Baked Beans?
Yes! You can add your favorite spices or substitute ingredients like adding jalapeños for heat or using different types of beans.
How do I make Baked Beans from canned beans?
Simply combine canned pork and beans with your choice of seasonings and sauces as outlined in the recipe instructions.
Final Thoughts
This baked beans recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any gathering or family meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients to create a unique version that suits your taste!
Baked Beans
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Baked Beans are a comforting and flavorful dish that perfectly combines sweet and savory elements, making them a delightful addition to cookouts, family gatherings, or potlucks. This easy recipe features a mouthwatering blend of crispy bacon, rich BBQ sauce, and brown sugar, resulting in beans that can steal the spotlight at any meal. Whether served alongside grilled meats or enjoyed as a hearty main dish on their own, these Baked Beans are sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon
- 1 medium white onion (diced)
- 4 cans pork and beans (14 ounces each)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large frying pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Chop the cooked bacon and set aside while leaving some grease in the pan.
- Sauté diced onion in the same pan until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped bacon to the pan; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, combine pork and beans with the contents of the frying pan; stir well.
- Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Allow to sit for about 20 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 289
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 685mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
