Baked beans are a beloved comfort food, but did you know you can easily transform canned beans into a flavorful, homemade-tasting dish? With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a truly exceptional baked beans recipe that will have your family and friends raving. Get ready to elevate your canned beans to new heights!
Growing up, I have fond memories of my grandmother’s famous baked beans, simmered for hours on the stove until they were thick, sweet, and utterly irresistible. While her recipe was undoubtedly delicious, it required a significant time commitment. As an adult with a busy lifestyle, I found myself craving that same comforting flavor, but without the hours of active preparation. That’s when I set out to create a simple baked beans recipe that captures the essence of grandma’s classic, but with a modern, time-saving twist.
After countless experiments and taste tests, I’m thrilled to share with you my go-to baked beans recipe made from canned beans. It’s a game-changer, I promise. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you can transform ordinary canned beans into a dish that tastes like it’s been simmered for hours. The key is in the blend of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors that infuse the beans, creating a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
This baked beans recipe from canned beans is a true standout for several reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is simply unbeatable. The combination of sweet molasses, tangy mustard, and a touch of smoky bacon creates a depth of flavor that is truly exceptional. But what really sets this recipe apart is the texture – the beans come out perfectly tender, with a thick, almost creamy consistency that is simply irresistible.
Another reason to love this recipe is its incredible versatility. While it’s delicious on its own as a side dish, it also works beautifully as a topping for hot dogs, burgers, or even as a filling for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless! And let’s not forget about the convenience factor – this recipe comes together in a fraction of the time it would take to make baked beans from scratch, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 slices of bacon, diced
The key ingredients that really make this baked beans recipe shine are the molasses and smoked paprika. The molasses adds a deep, rich flavor that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar, while the smoked paprika lends a subtle smoky note that takes the dish to the next level. You can easily substitute regular paprika if you don’t have smoked, but I highly recommend seeking out the smoked variety – it’s a game-changer!
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Bacon: In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Assemble the Baked Beans: To the pan with the bacon grease, add the drained and rinsed navy beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Bake the Beans: Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring halfway, until the beans are hot, bubbly, and thickened to your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the baked beans from the oven and stir in the reserved cooked bacon. Serve the beans hot, either as a side dish or as a topping for your favorite grilled meats, hot dogs, or baked potatoes.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 6 servings.
• Protein: 9 g
• Sodium: 735 mg
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 8 g
All the Different Spins You Can Take
• To Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, omit the bacon and use a neutral-flavored oil, such as olive or avocado oil, instead of the bacon grease. You can also substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan-friendly version, or simply leave it out.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: For a spicy twist, add 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the bean mixture before baking. You can also try using a spicy mustard in place of the Dijon mustard.
How to Plate This Dish for Maximum Impact?
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the baked beans with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a light dusting of smoked paprika for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.
• Beverage Pairing: These baked beans pair wonderfully with a cold, crisp lager or an ice-cold iced tea for a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors.
Problems You Might Face (and How to Solve Them?)
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before assembling the baked beans. Cold ingredients can affect the baking time and result in uneven cooking.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Preheating the oven is crucial for ensuring the beans bake evenly and develop that delicious, caramelized surface. Be sure to give your oven plenty of time to reach the proper temperature before adding the bean mixture.
Leftover Love: Tips for Storing and Reheating
• Freezing: You can also freeze the baked beans for longer-term storage. Allow the beans to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat the baked beans, either place them in a baking dish and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or transfer them to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bean besides navy beans?
Absolutely! While navy beans are the traditional choice for baked beans, you can absolutely use other types of beans, such as pinto, kidney, or even black beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the beans reach the desired texture.
How can I make these baked beans less sweet?
If you find the baked beans a bit too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar used in the recipe, or omit it entirely and rely on the natural sweetness of the beans and molasses. You can also add a bit more Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to balance out the sweetness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Baked beans actually taste even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld together. You can prepare the entire recipe in advance, then simply reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop when ready to serve.
How can I thicken the baked beans if they seem too thin?
If your baked beans seem a bit too thin or soupy, there are a few things you can try. First, extend the baking time, as this will allow more of the liquid to evaporate and the beans to thicken. You can also try mashing a portion of the beans against the side of the pan to release more starch. Lastly, you can mix in a small amount of cornstarch or flour to help bind the liquid.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can absolutely make this baked beans recipe in a slow cooker! Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. This is a great option if you want to set it and forget it.
Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!
I hope this simple baked beans recipe from canned beans has inspired you to elevate your next backyard BBQ or weeknight meal. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors is truly irresistible, and the convenience of using canned beans makes this dish a total no-brainer. Enjoy every bite, and don’t be surprised if your guests start requesting this dish for every get-together!
Happy cooking, and bon appétit!
🍴 Simple Baked Beans Recipe from Canned Beans
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon grease in the pan.
- To the pan with the bacon grease, add the drained and rinsed navy beans, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring halfway, until the beans are hot, bubbly, and thickened to your desired consistency.
- Remove the baked beans from the oven and stir in the reserved cooked bacon. Serve the beans hot, either as a side dish or as a topping for your favorite grilled meats, hot dogs, or baked potatoes.
