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White plate with baked beans, salad on light background
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5 from 2 votes

Baked Beans

Easy semi-homemade baked beans using canned pork and beans with the addition of spices, bacon, onions, green pepper and more!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 609kcal
Author: Julie Evink

Ingredients

  • 10 slices thick cut bacon
  • 1 ½ c. yellow onion about 1 onion, diced
  • 1 c. green bell pepper about 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 56 oz pork and beans undrained (I used two 28 oz cans)
  • ¼ c. ketchup
  • ¼ c. molasses
  • 2/3 brown sugar
  • ¼ c. apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp dry mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Cook bacon according to package directions. Drain on paper towel, Then chop into 1 inch pieces and set aside.
  • In the same pan that you fried the bacon, wipe away all but 2 tsp of grease. Cook the yellow onion and green peppers until almost fork tender (they will finish cooking in the oven).
  • Combine all ingredients EXCEPT for bacon and stir until combined. Pour bean mixture into a lightly greased 9x13 pan.
  • Cover the top of the beans with bacon. Do not stir.
  • Bake for 1 ½ -2 hours or until it reaches its desired consistency.
  • Stir baked beans and serve.

Notes

Can I make baked beans 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 609kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 1590mg | Potassium: 1280mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 219IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 6mg