Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon (Southern) Recipe
Introduction
Homemade baked beans with bacon bring a rich, smoky flavor to a classic Southern favorite. This easy recipe combines tender beans with savory bacon and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce perfect for any meal. Whether on the stovetop, in the oven, or slow cooker, it’s a comforting dish that elevates simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil
- 150g (5 oz) bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 1/2 tsp garlic paste)
- 3 x 400g (14 oz) cans red kidney or other beans, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup tomato passata or tomato puree
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tsp mustard powder (or 1 tbsp Dijon or American mustard)
- 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for 2 minutes, until it starts to brown. If your bacon is very fatty, you can skip the oil.
- Step 2: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook together for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion and bacon are golden and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add all remaining ingredients—beans, ketchup, tomato passata, molasses, cider vinegar, water, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Cover the pot with a lid. Either reduce the heat to medium-low and cook gently on the stove for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking; or transfer the mixture to an ovenproof dish and bake at 160°C (325°F) for 60 minutes.
- Step 5: For a slow cooker method, reduce the water to 1/4 cup and transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6 hours.
- Step 6: When done, the sauce should be thickened and glossy. If it’s not thick enough, cook uncovered a little longer. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoky bacon or add a little smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Substitute molasses with dark brown sugar if unavailable.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add a splash of smoked liquid or smoked paprika.
- Serve with classic sides like cornbread, grilled sausages, or a fresh green salad.
Storage
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also freeze cooked beans for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can use navy beans, pinto beans, or black beans instead of kidney beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans well before using.
Is it necessary to rinse the beans?
Rinsing canned beans removes excess salt and preservatives, which helps the flavors blend better and reduces any canned taste in the dish.
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Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon (Southern) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon recipe is a classic Southern comfort dish, featuring tender kidney beans slow-cooked in a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce with crispy bacon and a perfect blend of spices. Ideal as a hearty side or a standalone meal, these baked beans can be prepared on the stovetop, baked in the oven, or in a slow cooker, delivering deep flavors and a thick, glossy sauce every time.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp oil
- 150g / 5 oz bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 1/2 tsp garlic paste)
Beans and Sauce
- 3 x 400g / 14 oz cans red kidney or other beans, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 3/4 cup tomato passata or tomato puree
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tsp mustard powder (or 1 tbsp Dijon or American mustard)
- 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Heat oil over high heat in a skillet (or skip oil if bacon is very fatty). Add chopped bacon and cook for 2 minutes until it starts to crisp.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions and bacon are golden and fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the drained beans, ketchup, tomato passata, molasses, cider vinegar, water, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors thoroughly.
- Simmer or Bake: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, cover with a lid and either reduce heat to medium-low to simmer gently on the stovetop for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake at 160°C / 325°F for 60 minutes.
- Slow Cooker Option: To cook in a slow cooker, reduce the water to 1/4 cup, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Thicken Sauce and Season: After cooking, check that the sauce is thick and glossy. If not thick enough, continue cooking uncovered to reduce the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
- This recipe works well as a side dish for barbecue, grilled meats, or as a hearty vegetarian meal if bacon is omitted.
- You can substitute kidney beans with other beans like black beans or pinto beans if preferred.
- Molasses adds a distinct sweetness and depth; if unavailable, use brown sugar as a substitute with slightly less quantity.
- For a spicier dish, adjust cayenne pepper or add fresh chili as desired.
- The dish thickens as it cools, so consider that before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: baked beans, southern baked beans, homemade baked beans, bacon baked beans, baked beans recipe, classic southern, comfort food
