Easy Baked Beans Recipe

This Easy Baked Beans Recipe is a year-round favorite

Packed full of rich, spicy, delicious flavors, and bits of pancetta these baked beans have a unique flavor that will make this a go-to recipe

We love to serve these baked beans at a summer barbeque or fall tailgate party!

These baked beans are perfect if you have limited time and are not able to soak your beans overnight. It gives you all the flavors of old fashion homemade baked beans by using canned pinto and black beans.

The recipe is essentially like making baked beans from scratch, but easier! It is a quick and delicious way to add baked beans to your dinner and BBQ menu. We always pair these flavorful beans with our Southern style buttermilk fried chicken and our Jerk chicken recipe.

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Ingredients for sweet and savory Baked Beans Recipe:

Here’s an ingredient list and full details are in the recipe card at the end of this post:

• 2 cans of pinto beans – don’t drain
• 1 can of black beans – don’t drain
• 2 cups pancetta, diced
• 1 whole yellow onion, diced
• 1 whole green pepper, cleaned and diced
• Ketchup
• Molasses
• Dark brown sugar
• Red wine vinegar
• Dry mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Tabasco sauce (optional, but highly recommended!)

What is Pancetta?

Pancetta comes from Italian cured pork belly. It is essentially the Italian version of American bacon because it comes from the same cut.

Pancetta is amazingly flavorful and adds an additional punch to any recipe. It actually tastes a lot like bacon but without the smokiness and has a slightly salty flavor. It is cut from the pork belly of the pig and then cured.

Pancetta needs to be cooked fully before using in recipes. We wouldn’t dream of making our Classic Bolognese Sauce without it!

Pancetta is a beloved ingredient around the world and you can generally find it in the deli area of your grocery store. However, if you cannot find it, both thick-cut bacon and diced ham make a great substitute in this recipe (or almost any recipe).

Step by Step instructions for making delicious beans

• Preheat the oven to 325°F
• In a medium saucepan add pinto beans and black beans with the liquid
• Bring to a slow boil and then drain off bean juice, reserving 1/2 cup of bean juice for later use in this recipe

• In a large skillet, heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil on medium heat until shimmering
• Add diced onion and peppers and cook until they are translucent, which is generally about 5 minutes
• Add the diced pancetta to the onion and peppers
• Cook until the pancetta is nicely browned and set aside

• In a medium bowl combine ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, dry mustard, pepper, and the reserved 1/2 cup of bean juice. Blend together. For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce, such as Tabasco, (we always do and we highly recommend it as it adds just the right touch of spiciness without being overpowering)
• In a 3.5 quart Dutch oven, or deep baking dish, add a layer of beans to the bottom. Then add a layer of pancetta mixture. Spread evenly over the beans.
• Continue to layer until complete. You will have 3- 4 individual layers depending on the size of your pan.
• If you use a bigger pan you may have just 3 layers. Here’s the link to the pan we are using – our 3.5 quart Le Creuset Enamel Braiser, with a lid. It’s a true workhorse in the kitchen, lasts forever, and is gorgeous!
• Evenly pour the ketchup molasses mixture over the top of the beans and pancetta layers.
• No need to stir the mixture at this point. Cooking will allow the sauce to slowly seep to the bottom

• Cover and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven, stir, and serve to make sure all the flavors are combined

Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!

How to store easy Baked Beans:

These delicious Baked beans can be made ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and reheated (covered) prior to serving. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days.

Can you freeze baked beans? The answer is YES you can! Let beans cool completely, then place in a sealed storage container and freeze.

If you have a lot left over you may want to split it into smaller portions for freezing.

Once you are ready to reheat just let the beans thaw in the refrigerator all day or for about 20 minutes on the countertop. Then place in a baking dish with a splash of water. Cover and bake in the oven at 350˚F, for about 20 – 30 minutes or until piping hot. Serve and enjoy!

Other great side dishes to try:

• Grilled artichokes with lemon aioli
• Easy grilled Caesar Salad
• Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Grilled Corn with Sweet Chili Sauce