Do you love baked beans but don’t want to spend hours soaking and boiling dried beans? Don’t worry! You can make baked beans with canned beans that taste homemade, delicious, and rich in flavor, all in under an hour.
Using canned beans means you skip the hardest steps, but you still get the same comforting, sweet, and smoky taste of classic baked beans. In this blog, you’ll learn how to make baked beans from scratch with canned beans for a quick side dish or main meal that everyone will love.
Why Make Baked Beans with Canned Beans?
Canned beans are perfect when you want an easy baked beans recipe without waiting overnight for dried beans to soak. With canned beans, you get:
- Faster cooking time
- No need for soaking
- Soft, creamy texture
- A great base for homemade flavor
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or want a quick weeknight dinner, homemade baked beans with canned beans will save you time without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients for Quick Baked Beans with Canned Beans
Here’s what you need for this baked beans with canned recipe:
- 3 cans (15 oz each) white beans (navy or cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices of bacon (or 2 tbsp olive oil for a vegetarian option)
- ½ cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses or honey
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for smoky flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to tast
How to Cook Baked Beans from Canned Beans
1. Cook the Bacon and Onions
In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, crumble it, and set aside. In the bacon fat, sauté chopped onions until they’re soft and golden. (For a vegetarian version, heat olive oil instead of bacon fat.)
2. Add the Garlic
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring so it doesn’t burn.
3. Make the Sauce
Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes so the flavors blend.
4. Add the Canned Beans
Add drained, rinsed beans to the sauce. Mix until beans are coated. Stir in the crumbled bacon if using.
5. Bake the Beans
Cover the pot with a lid or foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 45 minutes. If you want thicker baked beans, remove the lid for the last 15 minutes of baking so the sauce can reduce.
Tips for the Best Homemade Baked Beans with Canned Beans
- Choose plain canned beans (not pre-flavored baked beans) so you can control the taste.
- Use smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke for extra smoky flavor.
- Sweetness levels vary — taste the sauce before baking and adjust brown sugar or molasses as needed.
- For spicy baked beans, add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
How to Serve Baked Beans from Tin
Your quick baked beans are ready to serve! Here’s how you can enjoy them:
- With grilled meats like sausages or ribs
- Over toasted bread for classic beans on toast
- With scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast
- As a side with roasted vegetables or baked potatoes
These baked beans from tin taste like they’ve been slow-cooked all day, but they’re ready in less than an hour!
Conclusion
Making baked beans with canned is a game-changer when you want homemade taste without the long wait. With this easy baked beans recipe, you get creamy, flavorful beans in under an hour, perfect for any meal. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll never go back to bland canned baked beans again!
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use baked beans in tomato sauce instead of plain canned beans?
A: You can, but reduce ketchup and sugar since baked beans in tomato sauce are already sweet and saucy.
Q2: How do I make baked beans thicker?
A: Remove the lid during the last 15 minutes of baking so the sauce thickens.
Q3: Can I cook baked beans on the stove instead of baking?
A: Yes! After mixing everything, cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring often.
Q4: How long do homemade baked beans last?
A: Store them in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Q5: Can I use other beans like pinto or kidney beans?
A: Absolutely! Pinto, kidney, or even black beans make delicious baked beans with a twist.