
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect baked beans recipe that’s both healthy and delicious, look no further! Our Easy Homemade Baked Beans are not only tasty but also incredibly easy to make. This recipe is a fantastic way to create a hearty and nutritious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a dish for a potluck, these baked beans will quickly become a favorite.
Bonus: Our Easy Homemade Baked Beans recipe will fit seamlessly into your weight loss plan. Each serving counts as one SmartCarb and two Extras on Nutrisystem, making it a guilt-free addition to your BBQ meal.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Beans Recipe
These Easy Homemade Baked Beans are packed with flavor and nutrition. Made from simple ingredients like beans, onions, ketchup and a mix of spices, this recipe is both wholesome and satisfying. The combination of brown sugar, mustard, chili powder and smoked paprika creates a rich and smoky taste that complements the natural sweetness of the beans. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be made in a slow cooker, Instant Pot or oven, making it suitable for any kitchen setup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best baked beans you’ll ever try, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- canned beans (kidney, pinto, white, or a mix)
- a yellow onion
- ketchup
- water
- brown sugar
- yellow mustard
- chili powder
- smoked paprika
How to Make Baked Beans from Scratch
Slow Cooker Method
Making slow cooker baked beans is as simple as it gets. Simply place all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it to low, and let it cook for six to seven hours. This method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and delicious dish with minimal effort.
Instant Pot Method
If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is your best friend. Combine all the ingredients in the Instant Pot, set it to high for eight minutes, and let it naturally release. The result is a quick and easy baked beans recipe that tastes like it cooked all day.
Oven Method
For those who prefer the traditional method, baking your beans in the oven is a great option. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, sauté the onions in a bit of zero-calorie cooking spray, and then combine them with the other ingredients in a baking dish. Cover and bake for 45 minutes. As the dish cools, the sauce will thicken, creating that perfect baked beans consistency.
Serving Suggestions
These easy baked beans are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal complete:
- Grilled Meats: Serve these baked beans alongside grilled chicken, steak or fish for a classic BBQ combination.
- Burgers and Hot Dogs: Add a spoonful of these beans to your next burger recipe or hot dog for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious bean sauce.
- Salads: Pair with a fresh, crisp summer salad for a balanced meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Tips for the Best Baked Beans
- Bean Variety: Feel free to mix and match different types of beans. Using a combination of kidney, pinto and white beans can add an interesting texture and flavor to the dish.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer your baked beans on the sweeter side, you can increase the amount of brown sugar. Conversely, if you like them less sweet, reduce the brown sugar to suit your taste.
- Spice Level: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.
This Easy Homemade Baked Beans recipe is the ultimate comfort food. With its rich flavors, easy preparation, and versatile cooking methods, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a BBQ or a potluck, these homemade baked beans will impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try and discover why it’s considered the best baked beans recipe around!
Servings: 12
Calories per Serving: 136
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 2 Extras
Ingredients:
- 3 cans (16 oz. each) beans, no salt added (e.g., kidney, pinto, white, etc.)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
Directions:
- Slow Cooker
- Place all ingredients into a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
- Instant Pot
- Place all ingredients into an Instant Pot. Cook on HIGH for 8 minutes. Natural release the Instant Pot by letting it naturally release its pressure until the pin drops on its own. Stir and serve.
- Oven
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Sauté the onions in zero-calorie cooking spray on the stovetop.
- Combine the onions and the rest of the ingredients in a baking dish. Cover and bake for 45 minutes.
- Note: As the dish cools, the sauce will thicken.