These homestyle baked beans are hearty and full of flavor — diced onion and real bacon pair with a tangy sauce made from ketchup, molasses, and brown sugar. Slow-baked in the oven, this easy recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps. Serve as a classic summer side with hot dogs, potato salad, or macaroni salad.
Table of Contents
- Why I love this recipe
- Substitutions
- How to make homemade Baked Beans
- Pro Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- You may also enjoy
Why I love this recipe
This small-batch version is ideal for two people and makes a quick weeknight side. If you need a larger amount, simply double the ingredients to make the full-size recipe passed down to me by my mother-in-law. The balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky makes these beans a crowd-pleaser.
These beans pair wonderfully with sandwiches or grilled foods and complement dishes like Swiss cheese chicken salad sandwiches or gyro-style pitas.
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Substitutions
To make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon. You can also swap Great Northern beans for navy beans if preferred — both work well in this recipe.
How to make homemade Baked Beans
Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Step 2 – In a large bowl, combine the canned beans (undrained), ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, and diced onion. Stir until the sauce is evenly mixed with the beans.
Step 3 – Add half of the bacon pieces, stir to combine, and distribute evenly through the mixture.
Step 4 – Pour the mixture into a greased 1½‑quart baking dish.
Step 5 – Arrange the remaining bacon pieces over the top of the beans.
Step 6 – Bake uncovered at 325°F for about 2 hours, until the sauce is bubbly and the bacon is cooked through. Let the beans rest a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven to preserve texture. For a deeper flavor, prepare the beans a day ahead and reheat before serving.
Recipe FAQs
This recipe uses a small white bean such as Great Northern or navy beans; both hold their shape and absorb the sauce nicely.
You may also enjoy
- Stuffed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
- Bean and Bacon Soup
- Roasted Green Beans with Bacon
- Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake
- Chunky Potato Salad
Zona Cooks and Zona’s Lazy Recipes
Homestyle Baked Beans Recipe
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Equipment
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Mixing bowls
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1½‑quart covered baking dish
Ingredients
- 15 ounces Great Northern beans (undrained)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ Tablespoon molasses
- ¼ cup onion, diced
- 3 slices bacon, cut into 1‑inch pieces
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
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In a bowl, combine the beans (undrained), ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, and diced onion.
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Stir in half of the bacon pieces until distributed through the beans.
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Pour the mixture into a greased 1½‑quart baking dish.
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Top with the remaining bacon pieces.
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Bake for about 2 hours, then let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.
Nutrition
Hi there — I’m Zona House. I create simple, satisfying recipes designed to make home cooking enjoyable.
I believe in easy meals with great flavor. Cook with confidence and savor each bite!
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