The Best Canned Baked Beans Recipe: Easy + Basic - On Sutton Place (2024)

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ByAnn Drake

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6 ingredients is all you need to make this quick and easy basic baked beans recipe. An easy side dish recipe made with Bush’s Baked Beans that is perfect for a picnic!

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We all find pleasure and fulfillment in different things. That’s what makes the world go round. One thing that brings me great pleasure right now is when I can cook something for my Dad that puts a smile on his face. Believe it or not, this basic baked beans recipe is his favorite thing to eat…followed closely by a big helping ofmeatless spaghetti.Not in the same meal of course!

I made these savory beans for a family dinner recently, and my Dad was in heaven. This easy baked beans recipe is the perfect side dish. The brown sugar adds just a hint of sweetness, and the addition of cinnamon (my secret ingredient) takes the taste of these beans to the next level. You will just have to try them and see what you think!

With cook-outs and summer picnics happening, keep these beans in mind. They are perfect for potlucks, and they are a definite crowd-pleaser. They go great with grilled chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, and even sliders.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple ingredients: The basic baked beans recipe relies on easily accessible and affordable ingredients, making it a convenient side dish option for a quick and delicious meal.
  • Versatile dish: The recipe can be easily customized with additional ingredients or spices to suit individual preferences, making it adaptable for various tastes and dietary needs.
  • Effortless preparation: This baked beans recipe is so easy, and is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
  • Nutritious and satisfying: Baked beans are a great source of protein, fiber, and nutrients, making this dish a healthy and filling choice for any meal.

Ingredient Notes+ Variations

  • A really easy way to cook this basic baked bean recipe is to use your trustyCrockpot. Just mix them up right in the stoneware insert, turn them on low, and let them slowly cook for 3 to 4 hours. After about an hour, the smell coming from that slow cooker will be heavenly.
  • I have never used anything but Bush’s baked beans to make this recipe. I love Bush’s because the canned beans don’t get mushy, yet they absorb the flavor of the add-ins. If you can’t find the original recipe variety, homestyle or country style are very good as well. Of course, it’s perfectly fine to use your favorite beans.

Here are a few variations you can try:

  • Spicy variation: Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce, barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, chili powder, worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Extra protein: Add diced ham, cooked ground beef, or shredded chicken to the baked beans for an extra boost of protein.
  • Additional vegetables: Include diced green bell pepper, onions, or mushrooms to the recipe for added texture and flavor.
  • Tangy: Replace yellow mustard with Dijon, whole-grain mustard, or dry mustard.
  • Aromatic spices: Instead of cinnamon, try using a combination of ground cumin, coriander, black pepper, or smoked paprika for a more savory sauce.
  • Herb-infused: Add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an aromatic touch.
  • Cheesy baked beans: Stir in grated cheddar cheese or your favorite melting cheese during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
  • Topping variations: Instead of bacon, try topping the baked beans with crushed tortilla chips, fried onions, or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crispy finish.

How To Make

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Open and drain extra liquid from cans of beans.
  • Combine beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and cinnamon in a dutch oven or casserole.
  • Drop bacon pieces on top of bean mixture.
  • Bake 45 minutes covered. Remove cover.
  • Bake an additional 15 minutes.
  • Beans are done when the bacon is crisp, and the beans are bubbling.
  • Remove from oven. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips

  1. Adjust seasoning: taste your baked beans as they cook, and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preferences.
  2. Monitor cooking time: keep an eye on the beans as they cook to avoid overcooking or burning. Cooking times may vary depending on the type of beans used, and the chosen cooking method (slow cooker, oven, or stovetop).
  3. Baking vessel: to bake these baked beans in the oven, a cast iron pot or dutch oven works best. You can also use a 9 x 13 baking dish.
  4. Let them rest: after removing the baked beans from the oven, let them rest about 10 minutes. They will thicken as they cool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of canned beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute other types of canned beans such as navy beans, kidney beans, white beans, or pinto beans. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan?

To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, omit the bacon and use a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to add a smoky flavor. Alternatively, you can use vegetarian or vegan bacon substitutes.

How long can I store leftover baked beans?

Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing.

What is the best way to reheat baked beans?

To reheat baked beans, warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heat distribution.

Can I freeze baked beans?

Yes, baked beans can be frozen. Allow the beans to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

What side dishes go well with baked beans?

These delicious baked beans pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as pasta salad, Jiffy corn casserole, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled or even tripled for larger gatherings. Just make sure to use a larger pot or baking dish to accommodate the increased quantity of ingredients.

Can I cook this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Use the Instant Pot sauté function to cook the bacon, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

This is the best baked beans recipe, and a classic All-American side dish with a thick sauce and savory flavor. These old fashioned baked beans are great for family gatherings or backyard barbecues, and the best part is that they are easy and quick to make.

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More Side Dish Recipes

  • Delmonico Potatoes
  • Vegetable Gratin
  • Oven Roasted Vegetables
  • Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

Basic Baked Beans Recipe

6 ingredients is all you need to make this quick and easy baked beans recipe. It's an easy side dish recipe made with Bush’s Baked Beans that is perfect for a picnic!

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4.88 from 8 votes

Servings: 8 servings

Author: Ann Drake

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

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Ingredients

  • 2 28 oz. cans Bush’s Original Baked Beans
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon regular yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 strips bacon (uncooked and cut into 1 inch pieces)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

  • Open and drain extra liquid from cans of beans.

  • Combine beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and cinnamon in a dutch oven or casserole.

  • Drop bacon pieces on top of bean mixture.

  • Bake 45 minutes covered. Remove cover.

  • Bake an additional 15 minutes.

  • Beans are done when the bacon is crisp, and the beans are bubbling.

  • Remove from oven. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 209kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 524mg | Potassium: 385mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 83IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg

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The Best Canned Baked Beans Recipe: Easy + Basic - On Sutton Place (7)
The Best Canned Baked Beans Recipe: Easy + Basic - On Sutton Place (2024)

FAQs

How to make the best canned beans? ›

We recommend cooking your beans in chicken stock or broth if you have it for an extra boost of flavor. Chickpeas are more solid and can crisp up nicely when roasted in the oven. If you want them extra crispy result, be sure to dry them before tossing them in the oven.

What to add to canned baked beans to make them taste better? ›

Cook up beef sausages with onion to create a super-flavorful base for your dressed up baked beans. Upgrade #3: All of the condiments! Maple syrup, molasses, ketchup, vinegar, mustard—basically throw every sweet, salty, tangy condiment you've got at those canned baked beans and you know they're going to taste delicious.

How to make baked beans more interesting? ›

Caramelized Onion + Bacon + Espresso Powder

Mimic the flavor of barbecue-style beans by adding nice caramel undertones to the can. Slowly caramelize a chopped onion in a bit of oil, then add bacon and cook until crispy. Add the can of beans and stir, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits that have stuck to the pan.

What makes Bush's baked beans so good? ›

Our Homestyle Baked Beans are deliciously tomato-based—which makes them a bit tangier than the original—with brown sugar, bold spices and a specially cured bacon.

How to make canned beans taste like restaurant? ›

I like to sprinkle in some taco seasoning, but you could add whatever spices you like — garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder are all good calls. Then, you mash the beans up directly in the pan and add just a little bit of vinegar at the end to really make the beans sing.

How to cook canned beans simple? ›

Cooking canned beans on the stove is one of the easiest and most common methods. Since they are already cooked, you just need to heat them up, which takes all but 5-minutes. Add a few flavor enhancers and dinner is served! Drain and rinse the beans (remember, that's optional).

How do you pimp baked beans? ›

One idea is to add marmite (trust me, it's lovely if you like marmite). You can also spice up you're your baked beans by adding a teaspoon of your favourite spice, for example smoked paprika, cumin or chilli powder if your feeling adventurous.

What canned beans taste best? ›

Refried beans are some of the best canned beans. These Trader Joe's refried beans are no exception. Yes, they're fat free, but trust us, they taste full of fat (as any good refried bean should). They're so creamy and delicious and rich.

Why do my baked beans taste bland? ›

Not adding aromatics

If you cook beans in just water, you could be missing out on an opportunity for flavor development. Almost all food can benefit from adding aromatics during the cooking process. Cooking dried beans with just salt and water is fine, but they are going to taste rather plain.

What is the baked bean challenge? ›

Hold your baked bean cans or other, in each hand. Extend your arms to the sides to form a straight line between your hands, elbows and shoulders. Return arms to your sides and then raise them hands as high as you can above your head. Repeat five times gradually increasing the pace you do these movements.

Why put mustard in baked beans? ›

Onion: a diced onion adds savory spice to the baked bean mixture. Brown sugar: brown sugar adds sweetness and depth of flavor thanks to the molasses inside. Steak sauce and yellow mustard: steak sauce and mustard add savory flavor and tang to balance out the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar.

What is the secret to soft baked beans? ›

soak them about 20 hours. Depending on how much water they soak up you may add more halfway through - if you set them soaking in the early evening, check them in the morning. drain, rinse, and then boil for about two hours, checking to see if they are soft.

What can I add to Bush's baked beans to make them better? ›

How to make Canned Baked Beans Taste Homemade:
  1. Canned Baked Beans: Use an “original” or simply-flavored style of canned baked beans. ...
  2. Bacon: Use your favorite brand but here, too, avoid flavored bacon.
  3. Mustard: I like spicy brown mustard for this baked beans recipe, but Dijon mustard or yellow mustard will also work.
Jul 1, 2020

What happened to Jay from Bush's baked beans? ›

One of the dogs that played Duke died of cancer in 2018, which may be why we aren't hearing “roll that beautiful bean footage” very often these days. However, Jay, who is the son of the CEO and Chairman of the Board, Condon Bush, when the ad campaign began in 1993, is still featur... Still making ads.

Why is there white stuff in my bush's baked beans? ›

If you're worried about the white stuff on top, it's fat that cooked out of the bacon & rose to the top as it cooled.

Should you always drain and rinse canned beans? ›

Even if you are not concerned about sodium, in most cases it's a good idea to rinse canned beans. Rinsing beans can improve the flavor and texture of the final dish and can help cut down on how much gas they produce.

How do you make beans taste like canned beans? ›

If you really want to taste like canned, add a lot more salt than you think you need. Also calcium chloride in many canned beans.

Are you supposed to cook canned beans? ›

Here are some more tips for buying beans: Canned beans are already cooked. They cost a little more than dried beans, but are still a great buy because they are fast and convenient. Just remember to rinse them first to wash away some of the sodium (salt) or buy canned beans with no added salt.

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