Description

Easy Ultimate Baked Beans is a flavorful and comforting side dish made by enhancing canned baked beans with bacon, onions, and a blend of sweet and tangy ingredients, then baked to perfection. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and family dinners, this recipe transforms simple canned beans into a rich, hearty, and irresistible dish loved by all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Meat

1 (28 oz) can baked beans
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics

1/2 red onion, diced
2 tablespoons minced garlic

Condiments and Sweeteners

1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the beans.
Combine Ingredients: In an oven-safe casserole dish, cast iron pan, or large skillet, add the canned baked beans, chopped cooked bacon, diced red onion, minced garlic, ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and evenly mixed.
Bake the Beans: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. About halfway through baking, stir the beans to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove from the oven and serve warm as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite BBQ dishes or meals.

Notes

If you prefer to use a slow cooker instead of the oven, combine all ingredients and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor, but you can use leftover brisket or pulled pork to add a different depth of BBQ taste.
Brown sugar can be substituted with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.
No need to drain the canned beans; the liquid helps to create the perfect sauce.
This recipe can be customized with additional vegetables like bell peppers or yellow onions if you want a more traditional baked bean style.
Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and family gatherings, beans can be served with burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, or veggie kabobs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked beans, easy baked beans, BBQ side dish, summer side, canned beans recipe, bacon baked beans, party side dish