Easy Baked Beans

These sweet and smoky baked beans are the perfect comforting side dish for any cookout or weeknight dinner, made easily from scratch with simple ingredients.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Beans & Base Ingredients

2 cups dried navy beans or canned navy beans If using dried beans, soak overnight and cook until tender.
1 medium onion, chopped Adds savory flavor to the sauce.

Sauce Ingredients

1 cup BBQ sauce Use a BBQ sauce you like.
1/2 cup ketchup Provides sweetness and tang.
1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup Choose one based on preference.
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar Balances sweetness.
1 tbsp yellow mustard Enhances the sauce without adding a mustard flavor.
1 tsp smoked paprika Adds smoky flavor.
to taste salt Adjust according to preference.
to taste pepper Adjust according to preference.

Optional Ingredients

1 cup chopped smoked sausage or ground beef Optional for added meaty flavor.
1/2 tsp chili flakes Adds heat to the dish.

Method

Preparation

If using dried beans, soak them overnight and then simmer until tender. If using canned beans, rinse and drain them.
In a pot, cook the chopped onion in a little oil until soft.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the beans to the pot and stir well.

Baking

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 60 minutes, or until thick and glossy, stirring once or twice during baking.

Notes

These beans can be made ahead of time; their flavor develops even more after a night in the fridge. If the beans are too thick after baking, stir in a splash of water or veggie broth. If they are too thin, continue baking uncovered until they thicken.