Description
This Easy Baked Beans recipe is a delicious, comforting side dish made with canned baked beans enhanced by a flavorful blend of brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Finished with onions and optional bacon, it’s perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or meal prep. The dish is baked to develop a rich, thick sauce and warm flavors in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans Mixture
- 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the beans.
- Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to thoroughly blend the flavors.
- Add Onion and Bacon: Stir in the finely chopped onion and cooked bacon if using. This will add texture and depth of taste.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and cover it tightly with foil to keep moisture in for even cooking.
- Bake Covered: Bake the beans covered for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the beans to heat through.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and slightly caramelizes the top. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
- Use low-sugar baked beans or adjust the brown sugar amount to reduce sweetness.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- If you like a thicker sauce, you can bake uncovered for longer, checking to avoid drying out.
- Serve alongside grilled meats, hot dogs, or as part of a hearty breakfast plate.
