Looking for a simple, flavor-packed side dish that steals the show? These Easy Baked Beans are hearty, sweet, smoky, and guaranteed to wow your family and friends.
This isn’t your average canned beans recipe. We’re upgrading it with savory meat, bold seasonings, and rich sauces. The best part? You can prep it in minutes and bake it to perfection in under an hour.
Let’s get into it.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Baked Beans
- Quick to prepare—just 15 minutes of hands-on time.
- Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, holidays, or any weeknight dinner.
- Uses pantry staples you already have on hand.
- Loaded with flavor from seasoned ground beef, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar.
- Bakes in one pan—less mess, more flavor.
Easy Baked Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make these Easy Baked Beans:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic paste or 1 minced garlic clove
- Two 28-ounce cans Bush’s Country Style Baked Beans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Heavy drizzle Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce
- Light drizzle yellow mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F. This gives you time to prep while it heats.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Veggies
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until halfway done.
- Add diced onions, bell peppers, garlic salt, black pepper, and garlic paste.
- Stir well and continue cooking until the veggies are soft and the meat is fully browned.
- Drain the grease and set the meat mixture aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Beans
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, pour in the two cans of baked beans.
- Add your cooked meat mixture.
- Stir in BBQ sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix everything until fully combined.
Step 4: Bake It Up
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Beans
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
- Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce—it adds deep, umami flavor.
- Taste before baking. Adjust sweetness or seasoning to your liking.
- Want it spicier? Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Baked Beans pair well with:
- Grilled burgers or hot dogs
- BBQ chicken or ribs
- Coleslaw or corn on the cob
- Buttermilk cornbread or dinner rolls
They’re hearty enough to be a meal on their own too.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up?
- Add bacon: Cook 4–5 strips until crispy, chop, and mix in with the beans.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and load up on extra beans or roasted veggies.
- Use different beans: Mix in pinto, kidney, or black beans for texture variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these baked beans ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Use a larger pan or two baking dishes. Perfect for cookouts or family gatherings.
Do I have to use BBQ sauce?
It’s highly recommended for flavor, but you can use ketchup with a bit of liquid smoke in a pinch.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory & Brown Sugar brings the perfect balance of smoky and sweet.
This Easy Baked Beans recipe is everything you want in a side dish—simple, bold, and satisfying. It brings classic cookout flavor without the fuss.
Try it once, and it might just become your signature dish.
Ready to make it tonight?
Preheat your oven, grab a skillet, and let these beans do the talking.
