Easy Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon

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Enjoy the best homemade baked beans with bacon! This easy recipe features canned baked beans doctored up with BBQ sauce and a savory flavor from thick-cut bacon, smoked paprika, and more. Perfect for summer cookouts, family gatherings, and Fourth of July celebrations. Discover why these delicious baked beans get rave reviews!

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Beans are the perfect side dish for summer cookouts and family gatherings and are always an essential menu item for any BBQ or potluck. I especially love them as a side for grilled burgers, hot dogs, and pulled pork sandwiches. Today, I’m sharing my best baked beans recipe, which has been a family favorite for years. This easy baked beans recipe uses simple ingredients and delivers a savory flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why Homemade Baked Beans?

Plain canned baked beans are fine, but there is no can of beans that will even begin to compare to ones that have been doctored up with all kinds of goodness. This recipe uses canned beans, which I always have on hand.  It’s so much more convenient to make delicious baked beans this way. And no one will ever know unless you tell them.

But why stop at canned beans when you can explore different ways to make baked beans? If you have the time, using dry beans like navy beans, cannellini beans, or great northern beans can elevate the flavor even more. Just soak the dried beans overnight, and you’re ready to go. The tender beans will soak up the savory sauce, creating the best homemade baked beans you’ve ever tasted.

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How to Make these Delicious Baked Beans

• Cook the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until it's brown and crisp and most of the fat has rendered. The aroma of sizzling bacon is pure magic, isn’t it? Don’t discard the bacon grease; it adds a depth of flavor to the beans. Use it to sauté the vegetables, adding richness to the dish.
• Sauté the Veggies: Stir in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until everything softens, about 5 minutes. This is where the flavors start to layer up. Add some chili powder and garlic powder to enhance the savory flavor. You’ll know the veggies are ready when the onions become translucent and the peppers soften.
• Season and Mix: Add the smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting those spices bloom and infuse the veggies. Blooming the spices in the bacon grease and vegetable mixture enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Add Sauces and Sweeteners: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, packed brown sugar, and Grandma’s Molasses. Mix until everything is well combined. The sweet and tangy goodness is coming together now! This balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors complements the richness of the bacon and beans perfectly.
• Incorporate the Beans: Stir in the baked beans directly from the can. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn off the heat. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can lay a few strips of bacon on top of the beans here.
• Bake to Perfection: Pour the mixture into a baking dish and place it in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the sauce is syrupy. Let the baked beans cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld even more. You’ll know they’re done when the sauce is thick and bubbly, and the top is caramelized.

Slow Cooker Method

If you prefer a hands-off approach, this recipe works wonderfully in a slow cooker or crock pot. After sautéing the onions, green pepper, and garlic in the bacon drippings, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

This method is perfect for family reunions or when you’re busy with other dishes for a Fourth of July cookout. The slow cooker method will give you the same great flavor with less hands-on time.

Make-Ahead

You can make these beans ahead of time—just cook them in the skillet, let them cool to room temperature, cover, and place them in the fridge. Bake them the next day or whenever you’re ready!

How to Store Leftover Baked Beans

Storing leftover baked beans is a breeze. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

However, I don't recommend freezing baked beans, as they tend to get mushy after thawing.

To reheat, simply place the beans in a large bowl and microwave, or warm them up on the stove over medium-high heat until they’re heated through. The flavors often deepen with time, making these beans even better the next day. Leftovers are perfect for a quick, delicious side dish throughout the week.

Can I Cook Baked Beans in the Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! One of the things I love about this recipe is its flexibility. You can definitely use a slow cooker. While each slow cooker is different, you can generally set it and forget it. I recommend cooking the beans on high for an hour, stirring occasionally, then letting them cook on low for an additional 2-3 hours. This method is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious side with minimal effort.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade Baked beans are a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with almost any main dish. They shine alongside sandwiches and grilled meats like hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, pork chops, chicken, and more. Their sweet and savory flavor compliments a wide variety of meals. Try them with my pulled pork sandwiches, or dinner roll sandwiches.

You can even serve them as a delicious side dish at a family dinner or a holiday gathering. The beans add a comforting, homey touch to any meal.

Adding a Personal Touch

To make this great recipe even better, consider adding ground beef or breakfast sausage for a heartier dish. Brown the beef in the same pot after cooking the bacon, then follow the recipe as usual.

The result is a robust, meaty version of baked beans that will earn rave reviews from your guests. This version is particularly great for those who enjoy a little extra protein in their meals.

Give this easy homemade baked beans recipe a try at your next family gathering or BBQ. Not only are they simple to make, but they also bring a touch of homemade goodness that plain canned beans just can’t compete with.

Trust me, once you make these, you’ll never go back to plain store-bought pork ‘n beans. Whether you’re using navy beans, pinto beans, or white beans, this recipe is adaptable and perfect for any occasion.

So fire up that oven, skillet, or slow cooker, and enjoy the best baked beans you’ll ever taste! Your family and friends will thank you.

More BBQ or Potluck Side Dish Recipes

• Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
• Better than Rudy's BBQ Creamed Corn
• Grilled Corn Salad with Fresh Lime Dressing
• Easy Fresh Tomato Salad with Aged Balsamic Dressing