Whether it’s a summer cookout, a backyard BBQ, or a hearty winter meal, The Best Baked Beans are always welcome at the table. This isn’t your average can-of-beans situation—this dish is rich, smoky, slightly sweet, and layered with the deep flavors of molasses, brown sugar, bacon, and garlic.
Inspired by classic American barbecue traditions, this recipe is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, hot dogs, burgers, or even a spoonful on toast. It’s simple, fast, and loaded with bold, crowd-pleasing flavor.
Why These Are The Best Baked Beans
-
Perfect Balance of Sweet & Savory
Brown sugar and molasses bring rich sweetness, while bacon, garlic, and Worcestershire add depth. -
Quick and Easy
Ready in just 25 minutes, yet tastes like it simmered all day. -
Multi-Bean Power
Four types of beans bring texture, color, and added nutrition. -
Ideal for Any Season
A must-have for summer barbecues and the perfect warm-up for winter meals.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- ½ pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can beans in tomato sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Bacon
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a heavy skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside and let cool. Reserve about half of the bacon grease in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
To the reserved bacon grease, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Mix the Bean Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked onion, garlic, and bell pepper
- Ketchup, molasses, hot sauce (if using), Worcestershire sauce, mustard, pepper, and brown sugar
- Drained and rinsed pinto, kidney, and butter beans
- Beans in tomato sauce
- Half of the crumbled bacon
Mix everything gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Bake the Beans
Pour the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
Step 5: Finish with Bacon
Uncover, sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
Serving Suggestions
These baked beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:
- Grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers
- Hot dogs and potato salad
- Cornbread or crusty artisan bread
- As a cozy side with roast pork or ham
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate the bean mixture a day in advance, then bake when ready.
- Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled beans in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth.
Recipe Tips
- Customize the Heat: Use more or less hot sauce depending on your heat preference.
- No Molasses? Try maple syrup or dark corn syrup for a similar deep sweetness.
- Go Meatless: Omit bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version—smoked paprika makes a great flavor substitute.
- Add a Crunch: Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before the final 10 minutes of baking for texture.
Variations to Try
- Spicy BBQ Baked Beans: Add ¼ cup BBQ sauce and 1 tsp chipotle powder for smoky heat.
- Tex-Mex Style: Stir in some cumin, corn, and diced jalapeños for a bold southwestern flair.
- Slow Cooker Version: After sautéing veggies and mixing ingredients, cook on low for 4–5 hours.
- Mini Casseroles: Bake in ramekins for individual servings at a party or picnic.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for The Best Baked Beans hits every note—sweet, savory, smoky, and satisfying. It’s a dish you’ll want on every table, from laid-back summer BBQs to festive holiday dinners. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving comfort food, these beans are a sure thing.
Once you’ve made them, you’ll never go back to the canned variety again.
The Best Baked Beans
Ingredients
- ½ yellow onion diced
- ½ pound bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 tsp hot sauce optional
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- 15 oz can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can butter beans drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can beans in tomato sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Bacon
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a heavy skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside and let cool. Reserve about half of the bacon grease in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- To the reserved bacon grease, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Mix the Bean Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked onion, garlic, and bell pepper
- Ketchup, molasses, hot sauce (if using), Worcestershire sauce, mustard, pepper, and brown sugar
- Drained and rinsed pinto, kidney, and butter beans
- Beans in tomato sauce
- Half of the crumbled bacon
- Mix everything gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Bake the Beans
- Pour the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
Step 5: Finish with Bacon
- Uncover, sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
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