These Quick & Easy Baked Beans are hearty, filling, and super delicious! Each bite reveals a velvety texture and a symphony of flavors as the beans soak up the savory, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce. Perfect for your next BBQ or potluck. Oven, slow cooker, and stovetop instructions are included.
Easy Baked Beans Recipe Highlights
Oh my word, I never knew homemade baked beans could be this good. Of course, I like the canned version, but this Easy Baked Beans really takes the flavors to another level. They are sweet, savory, smoky, tangy, and creamy.
I am planning to make these lush and crowd-pleasing Easy Baked Beans all summer long.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe
- No need to soak the beans (if using canned beans).
- Ready in a fraction of the time.
- Full of flavor.
- No need to heat the whole house to cook the dried beans for hours upon hours.
- Perfect for your next BBQ or potluck.
What are Baked Beans?
Baked beans are a classic and popular dish enjoyed by many people around the world. They are made by cooking beans, usually navy beans or haricot beans, in a sauce made with ingredients like tomatoes, molasses, sugar, and spices. The dish is called “baked beans” because traditionally, it was prepared by baking the beans in the oven for several hours.
How Do Baked Beans Taste Like?
Baked beans have a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. The sauce is typically thick and coats the beans, giving them a delicious and hearty taste. The exact recipe and flavor profile can vary depending on the region and personal preferences. For example, American-style baked beans often have a smoky or barbecue flavor, while British-style baked beans have a sweeter taste.
American Baked Beans vs British Baked Beans
- Flavor. American baked beans typically have a sweeter and tangier flavor. They often incorporate ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, and ketchup or tomato sauce, which contribute to the sweet and slightly tangy taste. On the other hand, British baked beans tend to be milder and less sweet. They are usually cooked in a tomato-based sauce with a touch of sweetness from sugar or a sweetener like sucralose.
- Consistency. American baked beans usually have a thick, rich sauce that coats the beans, offering a hearty and substantial texture. In contrast, British baked beans have a thinner and more tomato-forward sauce. The sauce is generally more liquid, allowing it to be easily soaked up by bread or toast, which is a popular serving method in the UK.
- Serving. In the United States, baked beans are often served as a side dish or as part of a barbecue or picnic spread. They are a common accompaniment to grilled meats, burgers, hot dogs, and other savory dishes. In the UK, baked beans are frequently enjoyed as a breakfast item and are a popular component of a full English breakfast. They are commonly served on toast or as part of a “beans on toast” meal.
Best Beans to Make American-Style Baked Beans
The most common type of bean used in American-style baked beans is the navy bean, also known as the haricot bean. Navy beans are small, white beans that are mild in flavor and have a creamy texture when cooked. These beans are particularly well-suited for baked beans because they hold their shape well and absorb flavors from the sauce.
That being said, other types of beans can also be used in American baked beans depending on personal preference and regional variations. Some recipes may include other varieties, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or Great Northern beans. These beans can add different textures and flavors to the dish, but navy beans remain the traditional choice.
I like to mix different kinds to add more texture and flavor. Beans such as kidney beans have much firmer skin than those pinto or navy beans, which are creamier.
Canned Beans vs. Dry Beans
Dry beans offer more control over the cooking process, texture, and flavors, but they require more time and effort. Canned beans are convenient, quick to use, and have a softer texture but may contain added ingredients. It ultimately depends on your personal preference, time constraints, and the specific recipe you are preparing.
Ingredients You’ll Need & Notes
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Oil: Vegetable or canola oil – Or any light-tasting oil of your preference.
- Smoked bone-in pork chops: For an extra smoky layer of flavor! You can use 8 oz of bacon instead of smoked pork chops.
- Veggies: You’ll need onion, green bell pepper, and garlic.
- Beans: I used Pinto beans, Navy beans, Great Northern beans, and Kidney beans. You can use most types of beans of your preference. I like to mix different kinds to add more texture and flavor. Beans such as kidney beans have much firmer skin than those pinto or navy beans, which are creamier.
- Ketchup
- Molasses
- Chicken stock: Homemade or store-bought.
- Yellow mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Black Pepper
- Brown Sugar
How To Make Baked Beans with Canned Beans
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Saute
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the pork chops (or bacon) and cook, occasionally stirring, until lightly browned. Add onion, green pepper, and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the rest of the ingredients
Add beans, ketchup, molasses, chicken stock, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and sugar. Mix to combine. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch pan. You can also use an oven-safe pot, such as Dutch oven pot.
- Bake
Bake covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 – 20 more minutes, or until the mixture is thick.
Making Baked Beans In The Slow Cooker
To make baked beans in the slow cooker, follow the same instructions, place everything in your slow cooker, and cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
Cooking Baked Beans On The Stovetop
To make baked beans on the stovetop, follow the same instructions and then simmer the beans on low heat for 20 – 30 minutes or until the mixture is thick. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level to ensure the beans don’t dry out. If the liquid reduces too much, add more broth or water as needed.
Variations You Can Apply To This Recipe
- Bacon. You can use 8 oz of bacon instead of smoked pork chops.
- Spicy. Add 1 teaspoon of hot sauce if you like the heat.
- Vegetarian Version. Season 2 cups of thinly sliced fresh mushrooms (such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms) with 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Use this instead of the pork or bacon called in the recipe.
Serving Ideas
American-style baked beans can be served in various ways, depending on personal preferences and the occasion. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve American-style baked beans:
- Side Dish: Baked beans are commonly served as a delicious side dish alongside grilled meats such as hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecued ribs, or pulled pork.
- Picnics and Cookouts: Baked beans are a staple at picnics and cookouts. They pair well with other classic outdoor dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, and grilled vegetables. They can be served hot or at room temperature, making them convenient for outdoor gatherings.
- Breakfast: Try a Full English breakfast at home! Baked beans are a popular component of a full English breakfast in the United Kingdom. Serve them with bacon, eggs, sausages, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast for a hearty and satisfying morning meal.
- Baked Potato Topping: Baked beans make a tasty topping for baked potatoes. Split open a baked potato and spoon the beans over the top. You can add sour cream, cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, or bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Casseroles: Baked beans can be used as an ingredient in casseroles, such as cowboy or bean and sausage.
- Dip: They also make a great base for a delicious baked bean dip. Mix them with cream cheese, spices, and shredded cheese, then bake until hot and bubbly. Serve the dip with tortilla chips or crusty bread.
Storing & Freezing Instructions
Store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator for 1 day before reheating.
Make-Ahead: You can make these up to 1 or 2 days ahead of time and simply reheat them before serving.
How to Reheat: Add the desired amount to a small saucepot and heat over low heat until warmed. You can also heat it in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use most types of beans. I like to mix different kinds to add more texture and flavor. Beans such as kidney beans have much firmer skin than those pinto or navy beans, which are creamier.
It’s highly recommended. Rinsing the bean will reduce sodium and will also help you not feel so gassy after eating the beans.
Yes, you can! When using dry beans, I like to soak the beans overnight. To soak beans: Place 4 quarts of water in a large bowl and add beans. Soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Use 3 cups total of dried beans. You can mix different types of beans, such as pinto, navy, cannellini, butter beans, or Great Northern. Follow the same steps in the recipe card and then cover with a lid and bake in the oven at 325° for 3 to 3 ½ hours or until the beans are tender and the mixture is thick.
More Bean Recipes You’ll Love!
❤️ Love what you see? JOIN my Private Baking Club. Also, Subscribe to Mommy’s Home Cooking email list, so you’ll never miss a recipe! And FOLLOW along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more fun!
Recipe Card 📖
Quick and Easy Baked Beans (with Canned Beans)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 – 3 smoked bone-in pork chops, cut into cubes (see notes for substitute)
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced (about one medium onion)
- 1 cup green bell pepper, finely diced (about one medium onion)
- 2 garlic, minced
- 15 oz (1 can – 432 g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed (to make this recipe with dried beans see notes)
- 15 oz (1 can – 432 g) navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz (1 can – 432 g) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz (1 can – 432 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup (190 g) ketchup
- ¼ cup (160 g) molasses
- ½ cup (140 g) chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2/3 cup (134 g) brown sugar
Important
Don’t forget to check out the step-by-step photos above in the post—they’ll guide you through the process and make everything super clear!
Instructions
Oven:
- Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 350º F (180º C).
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the pork chops (or bacon) and cook, occasionally stirring, until lightly brown. Add onion, green pepper, and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add rinsed beans, ketchup, molasses, chicken stock, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and sugar. Mix to combine. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch pan. You can also use an oven-safe pot, like a Dutch oven pot.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 – 30 more minutes, or until the mixture is thick and syrupy. Serve.
Slow Cooker:
- To make baked beans in the slow cooker, follow the same instructions, place everything in your slow cooker, and cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
Stovetop:
- To make baked beans on the stovetop, follow the same instructions and then simmer the beans on low heat for 20 – 30 minutes or until the mixture is thick. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level to ensure the beans don't dry out. Add more broth or water as needed if the liquid reduces too much.
- Bacon. You can use 8 oz of bacon instead of smoked pork chops.
- Spicy. Add 1 teaspoon of hot sauce if you like the heat.
- Vegetarian Version. Season 2 cups of thinly sliced fresh mushrooms (such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms) with 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Use this instead of the pork or bacon called in the recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.