Easy Baked Beans

If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as hearty as it is flavorful, Easy Baked Beans is the answer. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe turns a can of beans into something irresistibly delicious. The sweet and savory sauce, slow-cooked to perfection, makes these baked beans the perfect accompaniment to anything from grilled meats to a classic summer BBQ. Trust me, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds!

Imagine this: a warm, thick, saucy dish of beans with just the right balance of sweetness and a smoky undertone. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself cooking it over and over again. Plus, the best part? It takes minimal prep time, so you can focus on everything else while they bake away in the oven!

Why You’ll Love Easy Baked Beans

Quick and Simple

With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. No need to stand over the stove for ages; pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen.

Comfort Food at Its Best

There’s something about baked beans that just screams comfort. They’re warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor that pairs perfectly with almost any meal.

Perfect for a Crowd

Baked beans are a great side dish for gatherings and barbecues. They’re easy to make in large quantities, so whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a backyard cookout, this dish will go a long way!

Customizable

You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Add more brown sugar for a sweeter dish, throw in some crispy bacon for a savory twist, or spice it up with a dash of hot sauce.

Make-Ahead Friendly

These beans can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making them an excellent choice for meal prepping or for having something ready to go for busy nights.

Ingredients

• Canned Baked Beans: The base of the dish! You can use plain canned beans or pre-flavored ones if you’re looking to save even more time.
• Bacon: A little crispy bacon adds flavor and texture that makes this dish next-level.
• Brown Sugar: For that perfect touch of sweetness that makes baked beans so comforting.
• Ketchup: Adds tanginess and helps balance the sweetness.
• Yellow Mustard: A little bit of mustard brings an unexpected zing that rounds out the flavors.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a bit of acidity to balance the richness and sweetness of the beans.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion gives the beans depth and flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To season everything just right.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 1 serving):

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Potassium: 400mg
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping the bacon into small pieces. Finely dice the onion as well. If you’re using canned beans, drain and rinse them to remove any excess sodium.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove from the skillet and set it aside, leaving a little bit of bacon fat in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion in the leftover bacon fat until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon, sautéed onion, canned beans, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Bake the Beans

Transfer the bean mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the beans to thicken and develop that delicious baked flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the beans from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before serving. They’ll be hot, bubbly, and packed with flavor!

How to Serve Easy Baked Beans

As a Side Dish

Baked beans are the perfect side to complement any grilled meats, like burgers, hot dogs, or ribs. They’re also great alongside roasted chicken, pulled pork, or a veggie burger.

At BBQs and Potlucks

These beans are a hit at summer barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. They’re easy to make in large batches, and everyone will love their comforting flavor.

Pair with Cornbread

For the ultimate comfort food pairing, serve these baked beans with some warm, fluffy cornbread. The combination of the two will leave you craving more!

With a Salad

Balance out the richness of the beans with a fresh green salad. A simple, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the beans’ sweetness.

Additional Tips

Add More Protein

For an extra protein boost, you can stir in some cooked ground beef, sausage, or even pulled pork to make the beans even heartier.

Use Different Beans

Feel free to experiment with different types of beans. White beans, kidney beans, or black beans all work well in this recipe.

Make It Spicy

If you love a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beans before baking. It’s the perfect way to give them a spicy kick.

Make Ahead

These beans can be made ahead of time! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them in the oven when ready to serve.

Freeze for Later

If you have leftovers (or want to make a big batch to enjoy later), baked beans freeze really well. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up in the oven.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these baked beans vegetarian?
A1: Yes! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable oil instead of bacon fat. You can also add smoked paprika to give it that smoky flavor.

Q2: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer to use dried beans, be sure to cook them beforehand according to the package instructions. Then, follow the rest of the recipe as usual.

Q3: How can I make these beans sweeter?
A3: If you like your baked beans on the sweeter side, you can add more brown sugar or even a bit of maple syrup to enhance the sweetness.

Q4: Can I cook these beans in a slow cooker?
A4: Yes! After mixing all the ingredients, place them in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. You may need to add a little extra liquid if they seem too thick.

Q5: Can I use sugar substitutes?
A5: Definitely! You can substitute the brown sugar with stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or another sugar alternative. Keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra beans and adjust the baking time as needed.

Q8: How do I make these beans spicier?
A8: Add some hot sauce, chili flakes, or fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also swap the ketchup for a spicier barbecue sauce.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to the beans?
A9: Yes, feel free to add some diced bell peppers, celery, or even carrots for added flavor and texture.

Q10: Are these beans gluten-free?
A10: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ketchup and make sure all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free, these baked beans are totally gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Easy Baked Beans are everything you want in a side dish—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving them alongside a juicy steak, a pile of BBQ chicken, or just enjoying them on their own, they’re sure to be a hit. Best of all, they’re quick to make, customizable to your tastes, and packed with that homemade goodness. So, get ready to bring these to your next meal, and watch everyone come back for seconds!

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