Discover the secret to mouthwatering baked beans with our easy homemade recipe. Baked beans recipes are the ideal side dish for BBQ, packed with flavor to impress your guests. Try the baked beans recipe today
Here’s a simple and delicious baked beans recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) of canned baked beans
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4-6 slices of bacon (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1/ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2/ If you’re using bacon, you can start by cooking it in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s partially cooked but not too crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble or chop it into small pieces. If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip this step and proceed to the next.
3/ In the same skillet, you can use the bacon grease or add a little oil if you skipped the bacon step. Sauté the diced onions and bell peppers over medium heat until they become tender, which should take about 5 minutes.
4/ In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned baked beans, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and the sautéed onions and bell peppers. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You can season with salt and pepper to taste, but be cautious with the salt if you’re using bacon as it can add some saltiness.
5/ Transfer the bean mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe casserole dish. If you have cooked bacon, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the beans.
6/ Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and have thickened to your liking.
7/ Once they’re done, let the baked beans cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade baked beans as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any meal of your choice!
Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to your taste. You can make Baked beans as sweet or savory as you like.
Tips and Tricks to Make Baked Beans Recipe Even Better
Customize Your Flavor: Baked beans are versatile, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can make them sweeter with more brown sugar and molasses, or add a touch of heat with some hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Bacon Boost: If you’re a fan of bacon, consider using it to add an extra layer of flavor. Cook a few slices, crumble them, and sprinkle them on top of the beans before baking.
Onion and Bell Pepper: Sautéing the onion and bell pepper before mixing them into the beans enhances their flavor.
Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make baked beans in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until they reach your desired consistency.
Soak Dried Beans: If you want to start from scratch with dried beans, soak them overnight to reduce cooking time. Then, simmer them until they’re tender before incorporating them into the recipe.
Choosing the Right Beans: While canned baked beans are convenient, you can also start with plain canned beans and add your own seasonings for a more personalized taste.
Don’t Overdo the Salt: Be cautious with salt, especially if you’re using bacon, as it can already be quite salty. You can always add more salt later if needed.
Storage and Reheating: Baked beans store well in the refrigerator for several days. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serve with Complements: Baked beans pair wonderfully with grilled meats, hot dogs, and burgers. They’re a staple at barbecues, but don’t limit yourself – they can also be a delightful side for breakfast or brunch.
Experiment and Have Fun: Baked beans are a canvas for your creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients like chopped smoked sausage, minced garlic, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for tanginess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Baked Beans Recipe
Not Preparing the Ingredients: Failing to sauté the onions and bell peppers before mixing them with the beans can lead to undercooked or unevenly cooked vegetables. Sautéing enhances their flavor and texture.
Overcooking: Baked beans can become dry and lose their flavor if overcooked. Be mindful of the baking time, and use foil to cover them initially to retain moisture.
Skipping Bacon Grease: If you’re using bacon, don’t discard the bacon grease after cooking. Use it to sauté the vegetables or include it in the bean mixture.
Not Customizing the Flavor: Baked beans can be sweet, savory, or spicy depending on your preference. Don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar, molasses, mustard, and other seasonings to achieve the flavor you desire.
Adding Too Much Salt: Be cautious with salt, especially if you’re using bacon, as it’s already salty. Taste the beans before adding salt and season sparingly if necessary.
Using the Wrong Type of Beans: While canned baked beans are convenient, be mindful of the brand and flavor you choose. If you’re starting from scratch, select the right type of canned or dried beans (like navy beans or pinto beans) to suit your recipe.
Not Allowing for Resting Time: Baked beans continue to thicken as they cool. Allow them to rest for a few minutes after baking to achieve the desired consistency.
Inadequate Mixing: Ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Neglecting this step may result in some areas being overly sweet while others lack flavor.
Not Covering During Baking: Failing to cover the dish with foil initially can lead to dry and overcooked beans. Cover the dish and remove the foil during the final stages of baking to achieve the right texture.
Using the Wrong Dish: Make sure you use an oven-safe dish. Using a dish that’s too shallow can lead to beans drying out, while one that’s too deep may result in uneven cooking.
Neglecting to Taste: Taste the bean mixture before baking to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking. Adjust the seasonings if needed before it goes into the oven.
Rushing the Process: While baked beans don’t require an extensive amount of preparation, taking your time to sauté the vegetables and letting the beans bake at the right temperature ensures a tastier outcome.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for a baked beans recipe can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition for a typical serving (about 1/2 cup) of homemade baked beans:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving.
- Protein: About 6-8 grams.
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-40 grams.
- Dietary Fiber: 5-8 grams.
- Sugars: 10-15 grams (mainly from the molasses, sugar, and natural sugars in the beans).
- Fat: 1-3 grams.
- Saturated Fat: Less than 1 gram.
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams.
- Sodium: 300-500 milligrams (varies depending on the type of canned beans, bacon, and other seasonings used).
- Potassium: 200-300 milligrams.
- Vitamin A: 2-4% of the daily recommended intake.
- Vitamin C: 4-8% of the daily recommended intake.
- Calcium: 4-6% of the daily recommended intake.
- Iron: 6-10% of the daily recommended intake.
If you’re looking for precise nutritional information, it’s a good idea to calculate the nutrition facts based on the exact ingredients and measurements you use in your recipe, using a nutrition calculator or a food scale.
