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worlds best baked beans 2026 05 02 191512 683x1024 1

World’s Best Baked Beans

A simple yet delicious recipe for hearty baked beans, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or cozy meals at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cans 3 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil
Flavoring Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup 1/3 cup brown sugar Adjust sweetness as desired.
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup ketchup or 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp smoked paprika or 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
  • to taste Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp maple syrup or hot sauce (optional, add to taste) For an extra flavor kick.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the drained beans, cooked onion and garlic, brown sugar, molasses, ketchup (or tomato paste), yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika (or liquid smoke), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Baking
  1. Pour the bean mixture into a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
  3. If desired, drizzle with maple syrup or hot sauce before serving.

Notes

These baked beans are versatile, serving as a main course or side dish. Add fresh herbs for garnish before serving. Cool leftovers before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.