When it comes to classic BBQ side dishes, baked beans often take center stage. Whether you’re hosting a family barbecue or a gathering with friends, baked beans are a must-have. They offer a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, and are incredibly versatile. If you’ve been searching for the best baked beans recipe that’s easy to prepare, look no further. This easy ultimate baked beans recipe combines canned baked beans with a few simple ingredients to create a dish that will leave everyone asking for more.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make easy baked beans that are perfect for any occasion. These beans can be made in a variety of ways, but this recipe uses canned beans as the base for convenience and speed. Whether you’re cooking up a pork chop dinner or need a side recipe for a Crock Pot meal, this baked beans recipe will be the perfect addition to your spread. Get ready to take your BBQ side dishes to the next level with this ultimate baked beans recipe.
Why Choose Canned Baked Beans?
While many baked bean recipes require you to cook beans from scratch, canned baked beans are a game-changer. They save you time and energy, while still delivering a hearty, flavorful dish. Canned beans have already been pre-cooked, so they’re quick to incorporate into your recipes. Plus, they come in a variety of styles, including traditional, maple, and vegetarian, which means you can customize your dish based on your preferences.
In this recipe, we’ll use classic canned baked beans, which are already flavored and ready to go. With just a few additional ingredients, you’ll be able to take these canned beans to new heights and serve them as the star of your BBQ.
The Best Baked Beans: Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best baked beans, you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients. In fact, this easy baked beans recipe uses pantry staples that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredientes:
- 2 cans of your favorite canned baked beans (about 15 oz each)
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar (for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard (adds a tangy kick)
- 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce (for that smoky, savory flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (for umami depth)
- 1/2 cup of cooked bacon, crumbled (for a salty, crispy texture)
- 1/2 cup of onion, finely chopped (for a savory base)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for sautéing the onion)
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (for extra flavor)
- Optional: 1/2 cup of bell peppers, finely chopped (adds a touch of sweetness)
With these simple ingredients, you can elevate canned beans into an unforgettable side dish that will pair perfectly with your BBQ or grilled meats.
How to Make Easy Ultimate Baked Beans
Now that you have all the ingredients you need, it’s time to get cooking. Making easy baked beans is a straightforward process, and with just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Onion
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they become translucent. This will help bring out their natural sweetness and make them tender.
Next, add the crumbled bacon to the skillet. If you haven’t pre-cooked the bacon, simply cook the strips in the same skillet until crispy, then crumble it up. The bacon will add a rich, savory flavor to your baked beans. Stir the bacon and onion together for another minute or so to combine the flavors.
Step 2: Combine the Canned Beans with the Flavorful Ingredients
Once the bacon and onion are ready, it’s time to add the canned baked beans. Open the two cans of beans and pour them into a large mixing bowl. If you like, you can drain a little bit of the liquid, but leaving some of it will help the beans stay moist while they cook.
To the beans, add 1/4 cup of brown sugar for sweetness, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard for a tangy contrast, and 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce for that irresistible smoky flavor. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Then, add the Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika, followed by the garlic powder and any optional bell peppers if you’re using them.
Step 3: Mix in the Bacon and Onion
Now that the beans are full of flavor, add the cooked bacon and onions to the mix. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the bacon and onion are evenly distributed throughout the beans. This is where the magic happens—those crispy bits of bacon and caramelized onions will infuse the beans with savory goodness.
Step 4: Bake the Beans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the baked bean mixture into a greased baking dish. Use a spoon to spread it out evenly and make sure it’s all level.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the beans moist while they bake. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the beans are bubbling and the top has started to caramelize slightly.
Paso 5: Servir y Disfrutar
Once your easy ultimate baked beans are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes to cool down. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the beans will thicken slightly as they rest. Now, they’re ready to serve!
These baked beans make the perfect side dish for a variety of BBQ meats. They pair especially well with grilled pork chop, hamburgers, and hot dogs, but they can also be served alongside other Crock Pot meals like pulled pork or brisket.
Why These Baked Beans Are the Best
When it comes to baked beans, there are a few key things that make them stand out from the rest:
- Convenience: By using canned beans, this recipe saves you time and effort while still delivering on flavor. Canned beans are a great option when you’re short on time or when you want a simple side dish without a long prep time.
- Sabor: The combination of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce gives these baked beans a well-rounded flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory. The addition of bacon and onions adds richness and depth to the dish.
- Versatilidad: These beans can be served as a side to a wide variety of meals. Whether you’re cooking up a BBQ feast, making Crock Pot meals, or preparing a simple weeknight dinner, these beans will fit right in.
- Personalizable: The beauty of baked beans is that you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. If you prefer a spicier version, add some hot sauce or jalapeños. If you’re looking for a more smoky flavor, try adding some smoked sausage or ham. The possibilities are endless!
Pairing the Ultimate Baked Beans
The great thing about baked beans is that they go well with so many different dishes, especially BBQ and grilled meats. Here are some ideas for pairing your ultimate baked beans:
- Pork Chop: There’s something about the combination of smoky baked beans and tender pork chops that’s simply irresistible. The beans add a sweet and savory contrast to the richness of the pork, making for the perfect BBQ meal.
- BBQ Chicken: Whether grilled or baked, BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of these baked beans. The smoky sweetness of the beans complements the charred, tangy notes of the chicken.
- Crock Pot Meals: These baked beans also make an excellent side for Crock Pot meals. Whether you’re cooking up pulled pork, beef brisket, or even a veggie stew, these beans will balance out the richness of slow-cooked dishes.
- Grilled Burgers: There’s no better pairing for a juicy, grilled burger than a scoop of baked beans. The beans add a hearty touch to your burger meal, making it feel even more satisfying.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To BBQ Side Dish
This easy ultimate baked beans recipe is sure to become a staple at your BBQs, cookouts, and family dinners. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform canned baked beans into a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving them alongside pork chops, grilled burgers, or Crock Pot meals, these baked beans will always steal the show.
So the next time you’re looking for a delicious, easy side dish for your BBQ or family gathering, try making these easy baked beans. They’re the perfect addition to any meal and will have everyone asking for your secret recipe. Enjoy!
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