Here’s a simple and tasty way to make baked beans, whether from scratch or with canned beans:
Classic Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of navy beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp molasses (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Mix sauce: In a bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine beans and sauce: Add sautéed onions and garlic to the sauce, then mix in the beans.
- Bake: Transfer to an oven-safe dish and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until thick and bubbly.
- Serve: Enjoy as a side dish with grilled meats, toast, or as part of a hearty breakfast.
💡 Tips:
- Add cooked bacon or sausage for a smoky, meaty flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, use maple syrup instead of brown sugar and skip bacon.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
If you want, I can also give a “quick 15-minute stovetop baked beans” version that’s ready without an oven.
Do you want me to make that?
