Classic Southern Baked Beans Recipe
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This classic baked beans recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to backyard barbecues. It is packed full of sweet and savory flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Southern baked beans are a staple at any summer barbecue or family potluck. This classic dish, known for its rich flavors and comforting qualities, combines sweet and savory elements with a deep, smoky undertone.
This is my mom’s baked beans recipe (with a couple of additions from yours truly) and it’s totally delicious! Using canned pork and beans as a base, this recipe simplifies the cooking process without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or just looking for a hearty side dish, this Southern baked beans recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bacon – Just a few strips of bacon add a little extra salty, smokey flavor.
- Onion – We use a small yellow onion but you can also use a white onion.
- Pork and Beans in Tomato Sauce – This is the key to these delicious baked beans. You can use any brand (my mom says Campbell’s is the best!) but it must be Pork and Beans!
- Green bell pepper – A little bit of bell pepper enhances the flavor of the beans.
- Ketchup – This is the base of the sauce, the sugar in it along with the additional sugar added help to create that delicious caramelization that gives the beans that sticky sweet flavor.
- Dark brown sugar – Some recipe for baked beans use molasses (try our Boston Baked Beans) but this version uses brown sugar which is made with molasses to give us that delicious flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce – This tangy sauce helps cut through some of that sweetness and give us a little of that savory, salty flavor.
- Yellow mustard – This mustard help cut some of the sweetness as well with that vinegar base and those tangy mustard spices.
Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook bacon. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the bacon. Once it has finished cooking, remove it from the skillet, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Pour the majority of the grease out of the pan leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Saute onions. Add your onions to the bacon grease and cook until the onions have softened. Remove from heat.
- Make sauce. In a small bowl combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Stir to combine.
- Combine ingredients. To your casserole dish add the pork and beans (liquid drained), diced bell pepper, cooked onion, and chopped bacon. Pour the sauce over top and stir everything together until well combined then smooth it out to an even layer.
- Bake. Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it is bubbling and the sauce has started to thicken slightly.
- Serve. Remove from oven and serve.
What to Serve with Baked Beans
Baked beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot as a side dish for any barbecue feast. They also make a fantastic topping for baked potatoes or a hearty addition to a breakfast platter.
For a classic BBQ spread, serve baked beans alongside St. Louis Ribs, where the smoky, tender pork ribs complement the sweet and savory beans perfectly. Try our Instant Pot Ribs and Slow cooker Ribs too!
They also make a great match for Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork and BBQ pulled pork sliders, as well as BBQ pork chops, with the rich, tangy flavors of the pulled pork blending seamlessly with the beans’ hearty texture.
BBQ Pulled Chicken is another excellent pairing, offering a lighter yet equally flavorful option that works wonderfully with the baked beans’ robust sauce. Serve it as a side for BBQ chicken sliders along with coleslaw and mustard potato salad.
Beyond these BBQ favorites, baked beans are also fantastic with grilled sausages (try our Memphis sausage and cheese platter), hot dogs, and grilled burgers.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
Refrigerator Storage: Allow the baked beans to cool to room temperature after cooking. Transfer the baked beans into airtight containers. Store the containers in the refrigerator. Properly stored, baked beans will last for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage: If you plan to freeze the baked beans, it’s best to do so soon after they have cooled. Freezing them quickly helps preserve the quality. Consider portioning the beans into the amounts you will likely use upon thawing. This way, you only thaw what you need, reducing waste.
Transfer the beans into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Baked beans can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Microwave: Transfer the amount of beans you want to heat to a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, allowing a corner to vent. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir. Continue heating in short intervals until heated through.
Stovetop: Transfer the baked beans to a pot or saucepan. If the beans have thickened in the fridge, add a small amount of water or additional sauce to help loosen them up. Warm the beans over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. This method helps preserve the flavor and texture better than microwaving.
Tips for Best Results
- Avoid Overheating: Reheat only until the beans are hot enough to eat. Overheating can cause them to become dry and mushy.
- Stir Occasionally: Whether using a microwave or stovetop, stirring helps the beans heat evenly.
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Classic Southern Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices Bacon
- 1 small Onion, diced
- 4 15 ounce cans Pork and Beans in Tomato Sauce
- 1 Green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 3/4 cup Firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook your bacon. Once the bacon has finished cooking remove from the skillet, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Pour the majority of the grease out of the pan leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Add your onions to the bacon grease and cook until the onions have softened. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Stir to combine.
- To your casserole dish add the pork and beans (liquid drained), diced bell pepper, cooked onion, and chopped bacon. Pour the sauce over top and stir everything together until well combined then smooth it out to an even layer.
- Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it is bubbling and the sauce has started to thicken slightly.
- Remove from oven and serve.
Nutrition
