Baked Beans

5 from 2 votes

Posted: 05/19/20 Updated: 06/09/20

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Easy homemade baked beans are semi-homemade and a classic for all your backyard parties, BBQs and potlucks! They are loaded with flavor from the onion, green pepper, bacon and more. Serve this classic side dish with all your other favorite summer cookout food.

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Hosting a cookout and need the perfect, traditional side dishes? First of all, you need this easy Baked Beans recipe that starts with canned pork and beans then adds in a few ingredients to make them AMAZING! It’s quick, easy and perfect for summer BBQ’s.

After you have the baked beans make sure you round out your summer cookout with a few favorites like potato salad, steak and potato kabobs, and a batch of Texas Caviar to munch on while everyone arrives!

A quick trick is to bake the bacon while you mix up the rest of the ingredients. It’s quick easy and has less clean up than frying it.

Let’s get started!

Contents show

Ingredients for Baked Beans

Bacon
Onion
Green Bell Pepper
Pork and Beans
Ketchup
Molasses
Brown Sugar
Apple Cider Vinegar
Dry Mustard
Garlic Powder

5 Steps to Prepare

Prep – Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Make Bacon – Prepare according to directions on package or bake it like we do. Then drain on paper towels and chop into 1” pieces.
Fry – Remove bacon grease from skillet except 2 tsp. if you made the bacon in the skillet. If you didn’t make bacon in your skillet place 2 tsp olive oil in skillet. Cook onion and green pepper until almost fork tender.
Mix – Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl except for bacon and stir until combined. Pour into greased 9×13” pan. Cover the top of the beans with bacon. Do not stir.
Bake – Place in preheated oven for 1 1/2 – 2 hours or until it reaches it’s desired consistency. Stir and serve.

Can I make this in the crock pot?

We have an amazing Crock Pot Baked Beans recipe, but if you’d like to turn this recipe into a crock pot recipe simply add in ¾ of the bacon and stir it into the baked beans (instead of just sprinkling them on the top). Add in the last ¼ of the bacon when the beans are finished cooking. Cook in the crock pot on high for 2 hours, or on low for 4 hours.

Can I use navy beans?

We do not recommend substitute the canned pork and beans for navy beans. This is because canned pork and beans already comes with its own unique flavor and seasonings, the ingredients and proportions for this baked bean recipe are based around that original flavoring.

We are essentially “dressing up” a canned pork and beans recipe instead of starting from scratch, which would take much longer. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend using canned or uncooked navy beans.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

I have only ever tried this recipe with onions and green peppers. I am sure you could add in finely diced carrots and yellow or red bell peppers. You may need to sauté the carrots for a longer amount of time before adding them in to ensure that they soften in time.

Variations Ideas

Liquid Smoked – To add a bit of smokey flavor to the beans simply add in a 1/2 tsp to start with and go from there.
Ground beef or sausage – Cook your ground beef or sausage and then add it into the mixture before you bake it.
Maple Syrup – Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup if you like maple beans.
Adjust sweetness – Add a little more or less of the brown sugar. Start with a tablespoon and go from there.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container

Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator and bake at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

Ideas to serve with baked beans

This classic side dish is great for picnics because it goes well with almost all picnic foods! Here’s some ideas for you.

A fun twist on coleslaw is this delicious Cashew Coleslaw Salad with cauliflower perfect for cookouts.
Serve Balsamic Steak Skewers for an easy main dish bursting with flavor.
Need an appetizer for a party make Grilled Corn Salsa bursting with summer flavor.
Don’t forget this easy Grilled Apple Crisp to finish the meal off!

Try it and love it? Rate it, please!!!? Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day! If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!

Meet Julie Evink

I'm here to help you win in the kitchen again! Life is Busy, Life is Crazy, but that doesn't mean you can't make your family dinner! Julie's goal is to provide you with easy, family, friendly recipes that use pantry staples. Dinnertime will be stress free again!