Best Baked Beans

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Baked beans are a mix of smoky bacon, tender beans, and a sweet and tangy sauce. Baked to perfection, they make the ideal side dish for any occasion.

I love baked beans but sometimes I don’t want to make them completely from scratch and take the time to soak the beans and boil them. I also don’t want to settle for the “meh” flavor of canned baked beans either, so what’s a girl to do?

Make a semi-homemade version that starts with canned beans but tastes incredible like they were made from scratch!

This homemade baked beans recipe is rich, flavorful, and packed with a depth that takes store-bought canned beans to the next level. Made with simple ingredients, these beans are baked to perfection, bringing out a smoky sweetness that is irresistible.

So, whether you are looking for sides for a summer BBQ or craving comfort food on a chilly night, these baked beans will hit the spot every time.

Why I love this recipe

• the smoky flavor from the bacon and smoked paprika is divine
• it’s a versatile side dish that goes with just about anything
• the sweet and tangy sauce is perfectly balanced
• it’s surprisingly easy to make and always impresses guests

Ingredients

• bacon
• sweet onion
• bell pepper
• garlic cloves
• smoked paprika
• chili powder
• salt
• black pepper
• apple cider vinegar
• BBQ sauce (I used Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce)
• dijon mustard
• brown sugar
• baked beans (I used Bush’s original)

Step by step

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or dutch oven, brown the bacon until crispy over medium heat.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring often,  for 5 minutes or until vegetables are soft.

1. Add paprika, chili powder, and salt and pepper to the veggies. Stir and cook an additional minute. 
2. Add vinegar, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Stir to combine. Add beans (undrained) and stir to mix. Bring to a simmer then turn off the heat. 
3. Taste the beans and add additional seasoning if desired.
4. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. 

Variations

To change things up a bit, consider adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or a splash of bourbon or Worcestershire sauce for a more robust flavor. You can increase the sweetness by adding a touch of maple syrup or molasses to the mixture or increasing the amount of brown sugar to taste.

You can also try using different types of beans, like great northern beans, navy beans or pinto beans, to give the dish a unique variation.

You can make these baked beans a full, hearty meal by adding a cooked protein like chopped chicken or sliced sausages to the mix before baking, or try the calico beans with beef and bacon on our sister site.

Serving suggestions

• serve alongside BBQ ribs, fried chicken, or grilled chicken
• pair with cornbread and coleslaw for a hearty meal

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them on the stove over low heat. You might need to add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep them from drying out.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

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