How To Make Canned Baked Beans Taste Homemade

Name: How To Make Canned Baked Beans Taste Homemade
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 48 ounces (1.36 kg) canned baked beans (three 16 ounce (454g) cans); 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 ½ tablespoons molasses; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2-3 teaspoons mustard; 1 tablespoon ketchup (or more if your beans are not tomatoey); ⅓ cup (55g) cooked crumbled bacon (about 4-5 slices)

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Want to learn how to make canned baked beans taste better? It is easy with a few simple pantry ingredients and a few minutes of hands on prep time. This full of flavor side dish will be perfect for serving during summer cookouts, with grilled meats and veggies, and more.

Suitable for vegetarian and gluten free diets. Weight Watchers points included.

a pot filled with canned baked beans with a serving spoon.

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Canned baked beans are such a convenient pantry staple to have. They are affordable and super easy to serve up. I mean, we’ve all been there: last-minute dinner plans with only some cornbread or baked potatoes and a couple of cans of beans on the counter.

But, I find that canned baked sometimes taste a little bit meh and they need to be kicked up a notch. With just a few pantry staples, a few creative tweaks, and minimal prep, you can transform these into a lick your bowl clean homemade baked beans that everyone will love.

Just like this canned pinto beans recipe and easy canned refried beans it is great for summer cookouts, potlucks, weeknight dinners, game day, BBQs, and as a side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

the finished version of the how to make canned baked beans taste homemade recipe.

Table of Contents

Why Make This Recipe?

Easy and quick prep: This recipe is really super easy to put together—just toss everything in the baking dish and bake away. Weeknight dinner sorted.
Batch cooking: Make yourself a big batch and use the leftovers for lunches or dinners all through the week (and you can freeze some for later).
Versatile – These are more than just a side dish; serve it as a main course, a topping for baked potatoes or corn bead, or even a filling for tacos for variety! Eat them all the waaaays.
Love canned food – then check out this awesome canned food guide.

Ingredient Notes

Canned baked beans: Choose your favorite brand; Bush’s original baked beans are great, but use any you like. I suggest starting with lower sodium or lower sugar options.
Sweetness: get some sweetness and extra flavor and color from the brown sugar and molasses.
Spices: I love the smoky flavor of smoked paprika and the complexity of onion powder.
Mustard: A tangy kick that complements the beans.
Ketchup: For that classic sweet and tangy flavor.
Cooked bacon: this is what elevates your beans. For the best results, use smoked fatty bacon.

the ingredients needed to make canned baked beans taste homemade.

Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!

For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

How To Make Canned Baked Beans Taste Better

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

the ingredients added to the canned baked beans in a large pot.

Step 1. Prep the oven & ingredients: Preheat to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C / gas mark 4. Gather your canned beans and other ingredients (try not to eat all the bacon).

Step 2. Combine: In a lightly oiled oven dish, combine the beans, brown sugar, molasses, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard, ketchup and bacon.

the combined ingredients being stirred together in a pot.

Step 3. Bake: Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, until caramelized and bubbling.

Step 4. Taste and adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Feel free to a little vinegar if needed.

Make These In The Crockpot

Double or triple up the recipe (as long as your slow cooker is large enough).
Mix everything together in the slow cooker and cook on low for a couple of hours.
Note – you would need some volume of beans in the slow cooker, otherwise this will just burn. Hence why I suggest doubling or tripling the recipe.

a pot of canned baked beans with a spoon inside.

Bintu’s Recipe Tips and Variations

Add heat – For those who love heat, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to these easy baked beans.
Extra seasoning – Feel free to adjust the amount of seasonings and other ingredients based on your personal taste.
Add herbs – add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro right before serving.
Swap the beans – do test this with different canned beans such as black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans.
Vary the meat – smoked chicken or sausages will work too.
Add veggies – add in some finely diced quick cook veggies like bell peppers or celery.
Use a great can opener to easily and smoothly open canned food if needed.
Please check out some of my favorite things to use to make this recipe. Do you have some of these already?

the completed easy canned baked beans recipe served in a large bowl.

Storage

Prep Ahead – Mix all ingredients together the day before for easy prep.
Store – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze – Transfer cooled beans to a freezer-safe container to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on low in a saucepan on the stove.

FAQs

How Long to Cook Baked Beans in the Oven at 350° F

You will need to cook them for about 45 minutes, depending on how caramelized you like them.

How Do You Know When They Are Done?

These baked beans with bacon are done when they have a thickened consistency, look caramelized on the top and are bubbling. If they start to dry out, you can add a bit of water or broth to loosen them.

Are Canned Beans Healthy?

They can be a good source of protein and fiber, but some may contain added salt and preservatives. Look for low-sodium or organic options for a healthier choice.

a bowl of baked beans set next to a cloth napkin.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this with so many options, including veggies, grilled meats, and more.

Grilled corn on the cob – a well loved combo.
Hawaiian pasta salad – work well together.
Grilled whole chicken or Air Fryer Whole Chicken – great meal prep combination.
Southern coleslaw – tangy and crunchy combination.
Cornbread – easily made in the skillet or instant pot.

More Recipes You May Like

How To Cook Canned Corn.
How To Cook Canned Peas.
How To Cook Canned Carrots.
How To Cook Canned Chickpeas.
How To Make Canned Green Beans Taste Better.
How To Make Canned Refried Beans Taste Better.
And, be sure to check out this collection of 21 Canned Chicken recipes, the 21 Best Canned Tuna Recipes, and these easy Canned Salmon Recipes.

top down view of a bowl of canned baked beans.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 9 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Recommended Tools

An awesome can opener to open cans easily at the push of a button.
Great casserole dish or Dutch oven for even cooking.
A good set of spices and seasonings to upgrade your food.
For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

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