Whether it’s a summer cookout, a backyard BBQ, or a hearty winter meal, The Best Baked Beans are always welcome at the table. This isn’t your average can-of-beans situation—this dish is rich, smoky, slightly sweet, and layered with the deep flavors of molasses, brown sugar, bacon, and garlic.
Inspired by classic American barbecue traditions, this recipe is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, hot dogs, burgers, or even a spoonful on toast. It’s simple, fast, and loaded with bold, crowd-pleasing flavor.
Why These Are The Best Baked Beans
- Perfect Balance of Sweet & Savory
Brown sugar and molasses bring rich sweetness, while bacon, garlic, and Worcestershire add depth. - Quick and Easy
Ready in just 25 minutes, yet tastes like it simmered all day. - Multi-Bean Power
Four types of beans bring texture, color, and added nutrition. - Ideal for Any Season
A must-have for summer barbecues and the perfect warm-up for winter meals.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- ½ pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can beans in tomato sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Bacon
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a heavy skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside and let cool. Reserve about half of the bacon grease in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
To the reserved bacon grease, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Mix the Bean Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked onion, garlic, and bell pepper
- Ketchup, molasses, hot sauce (if using), Worcestershire sauce, mustard, pepper, and brown sugar
- Drained and rinsed pinto, kidney, and butter beans
- Beans in tomato sauce
- Half of the crumbled bacon
Mix everything gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Bake the Beans
Pour the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
Step 5: Finish with Bacon
Uncover, sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
Mix everything gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Bake the Beans
Pour the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
Step 5: Finish with Bacon
Uncover, sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
Serving Suggestions
These baked beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:
- Grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers
- Hot dogs and potato salad
- Cornbread or crusty artisan bread
- As a cozy side with roast pork or ham
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate the bean mixture a day in advance, then bake when ready.
- Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled beans in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth.
