Here’s a simple and tasty Baked Beans recipe—sweet, savory, and perfect as a side or on toast. 🍲
Classic Baked Beans
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 cups (400 g) dried navy or white beans or 3 cans (15 oz/425 g each) baked beans for shortcut
- 4 cups (960 ml) water or broth (if using dried beans)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup or tomato sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1–2 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Optional: 2–3 slices bacon, diced
Instructions
If using dried beans:
- Soak beans overnight in plenty of water. Drain before cooking.
- Cook beans: Place beans in a pot with 4 cups water. Simmer 45–60 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
If using canned beans: skip this step.
Make the baked beans
- Sauté aromatics
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion (and bacon if using), cook until soft.
- Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds.
- Make the sauce
- Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and paprika. Mix well.
- Add cooked or canned beans and ¼–½ cup water or broth to loosen sauce.
- Simmer
- Reduce heat and simmer 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sauce should thicken and flavors meld.
- Season & serve
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness.
- Serve hot as a side dish or on toast.
Tips
- Make ahead: Baked beans taste even better the next day.
- Smoky flavor: Add a splash of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika.
- Vegetarian version: Skip bacon; use olive oil and a bit more smoked paprika.
- Sweet & tangy: Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar at the end for balance.
I can also give you a quick 15-minute baked beans recipe using canned beans and a sweet-spicy glaze that’s perfect for weeknights.
Do you want me to do that?
