Recipes you will love forever.

Baked Beans

ByAva
Published OnOct 6, 2024
Updated OnJun 7, 2025

Baked beans have long been associated as a breakfast meal, but these hearty legumes can be eaten at any time of the day. Rich in protein and fibre, baked beans provide a satisfying meal.

Growing up, I ate a lot of baked beans; they were a pretty good energy source. Even though Baked beans are often eaten alongside scrambled eggs and sausages as a breakfast meal, you can also enjoy them on their own with fresh white bread that has been generously slathered with butter.

In the old days, baked beans was made using maple syrup and bear fat resulting in a comforting meal.

Canned beans are lightly cooked, and stored in a briny water with a little bit of sugar. However, eating baked beans on its own is quite bland and dull on the palate. In this recipe, we’ve dressed up the baked beans and enhanced its flavour. The best part is that a simple can of baked beans will transform into a flavourful and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Onions, Garlic, Can of Baked Beans, Paprika, Onion Powder, Dried Thyme, Dried Oregano, Brown Sugar, Dried Basil, Balsamic Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Butter, Fresh tomatoes, Fresh Basil for Garnish.

To make savoury beans, you’ll need a few ingredients, such as spices and some basic ingredients, which are fresh tomatoes, onion, and garlic. The seasonings are paprika, onion powder, oregano, and basil. The composition of these spices adds layers of complex flavours. Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness, which balances the tangy notes from the balsamic vinegar.

The Dijon mustard’s sharp taste is delicious with the baked beans. Fresh tomatoes enhance the beans sauce and provide a strong foundation for the rich flavours. Garnish with a generous amount of diced Basil Leaves or Parmesan cheese.

Why you will love this recipe?

If you have a savoury palate, adding bold flavours and spices can enhance this dish in several ways. Baked beans are a convenient meal; they pair perfectly with scrambled eggs or sunny-side-up eggs. There are a number of different ways to use this recipe. You can add the beans to tacos or Quesadillas.

Instructions

Set the stove temperature to medium-high. Add oil to the pan, then add the chopped onions and garlic. Caramelizing the onions and garlic will add a slight nuttiness and sweetness to this dish. Cook for approximately eight to ten minutes for best results.

Use fresh tomatoes or “Passata di Pomodoro,” which will add a lovely taste to the baked beans. In my experience, Italian and Spanish tomatoes are sweeter and more robust in flavour, it will add depth to the beans sauce.

Choose a can of beans that is not overly sweet. The purpose of this recipe is to balance the sweetness with savoury ingredients, thus creating a tranquil melody of flavours. Drain most of the liquid out of the canned baked beans.

Add the Paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, brown sugar, and onion powder. Taste the sauce before adding more salt. You can adjust the salt accordingly if you make a large portion.

Remember that flavors tend to intensify in the fridge due to the molecular breakdown of the carbohydrates and protein, and the spices will integrate further into the rich tomato sauce. Add the beans with 1/4 cup of water. Let the baked beans simmer for twenty minutes.

This nutritious meal is packed with protein. It will help fuel your day and provide you with energy. Baked beans with buttered toast, scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, and sausages for breakfast will be a hearty and satisfying meal.

This dish is primarily popular in America and England. It is considered an easy, quick meal that is affordable and accessible, but it is important to spruce it up every now and then. Consider adding bits of fried salami on top, garnishing with fresh parsley to add freshness, and enjoying it with your friends and family.

What to Serve with Baked Beans?

Serve alongside Garlic Bread, Normal Buttered Toast, Scrambled eggs, sunny-side-up eggs, Sausages, Grilled Lamb Meat, and Barbecues.

How to Store Baked Beans?

Store in the fridge for two to three days. This recipe freezes well. Add it to a freeze-proof container and store it for three months. Defrost it on the countertop and heat it on the stove.