Ah, baked beans—the comforting embrace of a warm kitchen on a rainy afternoon. I remember my first attempt at making them; the beans were too hard, but the aroma was intoxicating. Fast forward to today, and I’ve got this easy homemade recipe down—sweet, savory, and with just the right amount of nostalgia mixed in.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large, oven-safe skillet, cook bacon over medium-low heat until it is browned and crispy, rendering most of the fat.
- Add chopped onion, pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook until the vegetables are softened, around 5 minutes. Mix in smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour in vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Add canned baked beans directly into the mixture and bring to a boil. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or heat if needed. Optionally, lay some bacon strips on top of the beans.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven (or use an oven-safe dish if needed) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the beans are bubbling and syrupy. Let them cool slightly before serving.
- To prepare in advance, cook the beans in the skillet, then let them cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. These baked beans can also be frozen for later use.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cans (about 28 ounces each) of baked beans
FAQ
- Can I use any type of canned baked beans for this recipe?
- Absolutely! While the recipe recommends Bush’s Grillin’ Beans, specifically the southern pit BBQ or bourbon bacon flavor, you can use any brand or variety of canned baked beans that you prefer.
- Is this baked beans recipe overly sweet?
- No, the recipe achieves a nice balance of flavors. While the beans are sweet, the addition of dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and chipotle provides a savory kick that prevents them from being overwhelmingly sweet.
- Can I make these baked beans in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the beans in advance. Cook them in the skillet, let them cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake them in the oven to heat through.
- What if I prefer a different texture in my baked beans?
- This recipe results in a thicker, more syrupy texture. If you prefer a different consistency, you can adjust the cooking time or add a bit of water or broth to thin them out as needed.
- Do these baked beans freeze well?
- Yes, they freeze quite well! You can store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze them for future meals. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Tips
- Choose the Right Beans: For this recipe, using canned baked beans is recommended. Bush’s Grillin’ Beans, especially the southern pit BBQ or bourbon bacon flavor, work exceptionally well. However, feel free to experiment with other brands or flavors to suit your taste.
- Enhance with Spices: The combination of dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and chipotle adds layers of flavor without making the beans overwhelmingly sweet. Adjust the spice levels to your preference for a perfect balance.
- Make Ahead and Store: These baked beans can be prepared in advance. Cook them in a skillet, let them cool to room temperature, and store them in the fridge. Bake them when you’re ready to serve. They also freeze well, making them a convenient dish for future meals.
- Add Bacon for Extra Flavor: Cooking the bacon until it’s brown and crisp before mixing it into the beans adds a rich, smoky flavor. You can also lay a few strips of bacon on top of the beans before baking for an added touch.
Equipment
- Oven-Safe Skillet – If you don’t want to transfer from a regular skillet to an oven-safe dish, purchasing an oven-safe skillet can be very convenient. Brands like Lodge (cast iron) or Le Creuset (enameled cast iron) are popular options.
- Bacon Grease Splatter Guard – Useful for cooking bacon without making a mess, especially if you cook bacon frequently.
- Silicone or Heat-Resistant Spatula – Ideal for stirring ingredients in a hot skillet without scratching the surface.
