Description
This Easy Baked Beans recipe features a sweet and tangy blend of baked beans mixed with brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and smoked paprika, baked to perfection with optional bacon for added flavor. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans Mixture
- 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Additions
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the beans.
- Prepare Beans: In a medium bowl, combine the baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a flavorful sauce.
- Add Onion and Bacon: Stir in the finely chopped onion and cooked bacon if using, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the mixture.
- Bake: Pour the bean mixture into a baking dish and cover it with foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes uncovered. This step thickens the sauce and adds a slight caramelization to the top. Serve hot as a side or snack.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to taste.
- Smoked paprika enhances the smoky depth; regular paprika can be used if preferred.
- Use a casserole or oven-safe baking dish for best results.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much when reheating.
