Name: Homemade Baked Beans Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb dry beans, cooked (see recipe notes) or sub 4 x 15-ounce canned beans, drained; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped; ¼ cup tomato paste; 1 teaspoon ground mustard (or use Dijon); 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½-¾ cup BBQ sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2-1 tablespoon maple syrup; ¾-1 cup bean broth (or water or veggie broth); salt to taste; optional- pinch cayenne, chipotle powder or hot sauce to taste

These homemade baked beans are smoky, savory, and easy to make with BBQ sauce, paprika, and tender beans (use dry or canned). The perfect vegan BBQ side dish.

baked beans in a braiser with a silver spoon.

These homemade baked beans are my latest obsession, and they are just in time for summer BBQs, picnics, and the 4th of July! Smoky, savory, and perfectly saucy, this baked beans recipe is everything I love in a classic BBQ side dish - tender beans simmered in a rich, savory, smoky sauce. I love that you can make these ahead and use any bean!

A year ago, I made a pact with myself to cook a pound of dry beans every week for Brian and me, simply to add more fiber and plant-based protein into our meals. I've mostly kept up with it, and along the way, I've fallen in love with all the different varieties of beans and the endless ways to enjoy them. Shout out to Rancho Gordo!

Honestly, I could eat these smoky BBQ baked beans every day! They're cozy and satisfying, but still simple enough to make for a weeknight dinner, summer gathering, or anytime you're craving a comforting bowl of beans.

These Homemade Baked Beans Are Too Good Not to Make

Make-ahead friendly - The flavors deepen over time, making these a great side dish to prepare ahead.

Texture and flavor - These homemade baked beans are smoky, savory, and full of flavor, with a sauce that tastes like it simmered all day.

Perfect for BBQs and gatherings - A classic side dish for summer cookouts, picnics, potlucks, and family dinners.

Not overly sweet - Instead of being sugary, these beans have a balanced flavor with smoky paprika, tangy BBQ sauce, and savory depth.

Easy to customize - Keep them vegan, add bacon or extra spice, switch up the beans, and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Homemade Baked Beans Ingredients

ingredients for baked beans - bbq sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, spices and garlic cloves, red onion, salt and pepper, and worcestershire sauce surrounding a bowl of beans.

Beans - The hearty base of this classic comfort food. Use your favorite cooked dried beans for the best texture, or save time with canned beans. See recipe notes. Most varieties will work!
Onion and garlic - Create a savory foundation and add depth to the rich, smoky sauce.
Tomato paste - Adds concentrated flavor and a subtle sweetness while helping build the thick, flavorful sauce.
Smoked paprika and mustard - Bring warmth, smokiness, and that classic BBQ-style baked bean flavor.
BBQ sauce - The key ingredient that ties everything together with a balance of tangy, smoky, and sweet notes.
Worcestershire sauce - Adds a savory, umami-rich layer that makes the beans taste slow-cooked and complex.
Maple syrup - Just a hint. Adds just a touch of natural sweetness to balance the smoky flavors. Adjust to your preference. Feel free to substitute brown sugar.
Bean cooking liquid or broth - Helps create a rich sauce that thickens as the beans bake.
Cayenne or hot sauce (optional) - A little heat adds a nice contrast and can be adjusted to taste.

Flavor Variations

After the beans have baked, here are some flavorful ingredients you can stir in to make your own creation!

Crispy bacon
Diced jalapeños
Chipotle peppers
Caramelized onions
Apple cider vinegar - great for a little extra tang!

How to Make Homemade Baked Beans

1. Preheat. Preheat the oven to 375F.

2. Sauté onion, garlic, and spices. Add olive oil to a large oven-proof skillet or braiser and sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat. Once tender, add the tomato paste and spices, stirring for one minute.

stirring sautéed aromatics with tomato paste in a braiser to make baked beans.

3. Simmer the beans. Add the BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and maple syrup, and pour in the bean water. Whisk and bring to a simmer. Add the drained beans and stir again, adding more bean broth to loosen as needed. It will thicken in the oven.

4. Season. Season with a little more salt and pepper, and add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for heat. For slightly sweeter beans, add more maple syrup. If it ends up too sweet, you can always add a few drops of vinegar to balance.

5. Bake the beans. Place the braiser on the middle rack and bake uncovered until bubbling, thickened, and caramelized on top - about 40-50 minutes.

wood spoons scooping up baked beans bbq style in a braiser.

Chef’s Tips

Cook dried beans from scratch if you have time. It’s so worth it! The bean broth is so flavorful, and it adds incredible depth, resulting in a richer, silkier sauce than water or store-bought broth. The beans have the BEST texture.
Let the tomato paste sauté. Cooking it for a minute or two caramelizes the natural sugars and adds a deeper, richer flavor.
Use a BBQ sauce you know you love. Since it’s a key ingredient, its flavor will shine through. Choose one that’s smoky, tangy, or spicy depending on your preference. Or, make your own barbecue sauce! Try our Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe.
Taste before baking. Different brands of BBQ sauce vary in sweetness and saltiness. Adjust with a little maple syrup, vinegar, salt, or cayenne until the flavor tastes balanced to you.
Bake uncovered. Leaving the beans uncovered allows the sauce to reduce and caramelize, creating those irresistible sticky edges.

Serving Suggestions

These baked beans are the perfect side dish for any barbecue! Serve them with burgers, BBQ chicken, BBQ tofu, grilled steak, veggie burgers, or grilled tofu, along with other cookout sides:

Aunt Dee’s Lemony Coleslaw

Light Creamy Potato Salad

Summer Pasta Salad

Delicious Peach Salad

Mexican Corn (Esquites)

Delicious Grilled Corn Salad for Summer

STORAGE, Reheating, & Meal Prep

Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop! You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm gently in a pan on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Meal prep: If planning to prep baked beans ahead of time,bake them a day or two in advance, refrigerate, then reheat before serving. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen. Reheat them in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes to refresh the caramelized top. (Or you can bake them on the day of serving- my preference).