Summer cookouts aren’t complete without a hearty side of baked beans. This easy baked beans recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Why This Baked Beans Recipe Works
After years of experimenting with different baked beans recipes, I’ve discovered the secret to outstanding results. This recipe combines the convenience of canned beans with fresh ingredients to create a dish that tastes completely homemade.
The magic happens when bacon fat meets sweet onions and bell peppers. Add smoky paprika and a touch of chipotle, and you get layers of flavor that make store-bought beans taste gourmet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This baked beans recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry:
- 2 slices bacon, diced
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 (22-ounce) cans baked beans
- 2 extra bacon slices for topping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Work
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This temperature ensures the beans bubble and develop that perfect syrupy consistency.
2. Cook the Base
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy and the fat renders completely. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t drain the bacon fat. It adds incredible flavor to the beans.
3. Build the Flavors
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Create the Sauce
- Add the apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until well combined.
- The vinegar adds brightness that balances the sweetness, while the Dijon provides a subtle tang.
5. Combine and Bake
- Pour the canned beans directly into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want extra bacon flavor, lay additional bacon strips on top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and syrupy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Beans
- Choose Quality Canned Beans. Bush’s Grillin’ Beans work exceptionally well for this recipe. The Southern Pit BBQ or Bourbon Bacon flavors add extra depth.
- Don’t Skip the Bacon Fat. The rendered bacon fat is crucial for flavor. It creates a rich base that makes the beans taste homemade.
- Adjust the Heat. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of chipotle chili powder. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back.
- Taste Before Baking. Always taste the mixture before it goes in the oven. This is your chance to adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This baked beans recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook the beans in the skillet, let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
The beans also freeze beautifully. Portion them into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
These smoky baked beans pair perfectly with:
- Grilled burgers and hot dogs
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork
- Cornbread and coleslaw
- Grilled chicken or steak
For a fun twist, try serving them over toast with a fried egg on top. The runny yolk creates an amazing sauce with the beans.
The Final Result
This baked beans recipe creates a thick, syrupy side dish that’s not overly sweet. The combination of smoky paprika, chipotle, and Dijon mustard balances the natural sweetness of the beans perfectly.
The texture is rich and satisfying, while the flavors are complex enough to stand alongside any main dish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a comforting side dish, these baked beans deliver every time.
Ready to make the best baked beans your family has ever tasted? This recipe serves 6 people and takes just over an hour from start to finish. Your summer cookouts will never be the same.
Easy Baked Beans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy and most of the fat is rendered, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the canned beans directly into the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. If desired, lay additional bacon strips on top of the beans.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and syrupy.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.