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baked beans recipe

Best Baked Beans Recipe

These homemade baked beans are perfectly sweet, smoky, and saucy—way better than anything from a can! They're easy to make and perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 245
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (optional)
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 15-oz cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup vegetable broth or water

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat Oven
    Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
    Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper (if using). Cook for 6-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Make the Sauce
    Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves.
  4. Step 4: Add Beans
    Pour in the drained beans and vegetable broth. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture will look soupy—this is normal!
  5. Step 5: Bake
    Transfer the uncovered pot to the oven. Bake for 90 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes. The beans should be bubbly and the sauce thick and glossy.
  6. Step 6: Rest and Serve
    Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Notes

  • Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
  • Add Protein: Stir in diced ham or smoked sausage for a heartier dish.
  • Sweetness Level: Adjust brown sugar to taste—start with ⅓ cup if you prefer less sweet.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
  • Slow Cooker Option: After step 4, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving - approximate)
Calories: 245 kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 580mg
Potassium: 650mg
Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is estimated and will vary based on ingredients used.