Baked Bean Recipe with Canned Beans: A Simple & Delicious Dish
This recipe uses canned beans for convenience, resulting in a flavorful and hearty baked bean dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend potluck. It's easy to customize to your liking, adding different spices and meats to create your own unique version.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 (28-ounce) can of baked beans: Choose your favorite brand and flavor profile. Consider using low sodium beans if you prefer to control the salt content.
- 1/2 cup ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess. You can substitute with BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the ketchup. Honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
- 2 tablespoons molasses: Adds depth of flavor and richness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory umami notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Optional additions: Consider adding chopped onions, bacon bits, diced ham, or even some shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Instructions: Easy Steps to Baked Bean Perfection
1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (approximately 8x8 inches or a similar size oven-safe dish).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the canned baked beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Add Optional Ingredients (if using): If adding any optional ingredients like onions, bacon bits, or ham, stir them into the bean mixture now.
4. Bake: Pour the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
5. Baking Time: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the beans are heated through and slightly bubbly.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Let the baked beans cool slightly before serving. They're delicious served as a side dish with grilled meats, burgers, hot dogs, or even alongside some crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Baked Beans:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in dry beans. Keep an eye on them during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Customize your spice blend: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Make it a slow cooker recipe: This recipe can also be easily adapted for a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with a bit of cold water before adding it to the bean mixture.
This simple baked bean recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious and easy results! Remember to share your creations and tag us! #bakedbeans #easyrecipe #cannedbeans #comfortfood
